Jane Austen's Letters Study Guide

Jane Austen writes to her sister, Cassandra, and recounts the previous night's ball. Jane was disappointed that Charles Fowle was not in attendance, but glad that her "Irish friend", Tom Lefroy was there. She praises Tom, mentioning that his only fault is his light-colored morning coat which she compares to Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones". She tells her sister about their brother Charles's scheme to get a lieutenancy, and jokes about the funny name of Cassandra's fiancé, Tom Fowle's, vessel. In her next letter, Jane thanks Cassandra for the letters she has received from her sister and Mary and wishes to see them sooner. She is flattered by her sister's commendation of her writing since Jane "writes only for fame". Jane has heard from Tom Lefroy lately and generously allows Mary all of ... (read more)