The death of renowned author Jane Austen on July 18, 1817, remains shrouded in mystery, sparking ongoing scholarly debate about the underlying cause of her illness. Austen’s final days were spent at 8 College Street in Winchester, England, where she lived with her sister, Cassandra Austen, as she battled an unidentified ailment. With the 250th anniversary of her birth approaching on December 16, 2025, researchers are delving into the symptoms described by Austen in her letters, attempting to unravel the enigma of her premature death at the age of 41.
For nearly a year before her passing, Austen suffered from various health issues, including fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Despite her symptoms fluctuating, she received medical attention but was never given a definitive diagnosis. Devoney Looser, a regents professor of English at Arizona State University, acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Austen’s condition: “There is, as of yet, no clear answer about what caused Jane Austen’s death at age 41,” she stated.
Austen’s letters have become critical resources for understanding her health. Researchers have speculated about several possible diagnoses, including Addison’s disease, stomach cancer, tuberculosis, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Each condition shares various symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, complicating the diagnostic process. Dr. Dacia Boyce, an internal medicine physician, highlights that these potential causes exhibit overlapping characteristics, which adds to the challenges of reaching a consensus.
Exploring New Theories on Austen’s Health
Significant insights emerged from the work of the late Dr. Michael D. Sanders, a neuro-ophthalmologist who devoted his retirement to studying Austen’s health. He and Dr. Elizabeth Graham, also a consultant emeritus at St. Thomas’ Hospital, analyzed Austen’s letters and medical history, creating a timeline of her health decline. They noted that Austen’s primary complaint was rheumatism, alongside episodes of fatigue and fever. Their study, published in the journal *Lupus* in January 2021, proposed the possibility of systemic lupus erythematosus, a serious autoimmune condition that could explain her fluctuating symptoms.
The researchers argue that Austen’s joint pain and periods of remission might align with lupus, a condition that affects many young women and can prove fatal in their 30s and 40s. This hypothesis contrasts sharply with earlier theories, such as Addison’s disease, which had gained popularity due to its repeated mention in literature about Austen’s health.
Understanding Austen’s Final Days
Austen’s health issues became particularly pronounced in the spring of 1816. By July 1817, her condition had deteriorated significantly. She spent her last days in a weakened state, often sleeping and experiencing a weak pulse. On July 15, she dictated her final poem, which reflected her deep-rooted connection to her family and the world around her. Her last words to Cassandra expressed a wish for peace, demonstrating her acute awareness of her declining health.
In the absence of definitive medical records, scholars like Richard Foster, fellows’ librarian at Winchester College, emphasize the limitations faced when attempting to diagnose historical figures like Austen. “Nobody said what she died of,” Graham noted, pointing out that the lack of medical documentation complicates efforts to ascertain the cause of death.
Despite the uncertainties, the investigation into Austen’s health has opened new avenues for understanding her literature and her life. Her later works, such as *Persuasion* and the unfinished *Sanditon*, reflect themes of illness and recovery, resonating with her personal experiences. Many scholars believe that Austen’s portrayal of health and suffering in her novels may serve as a reflection of her own struggles.
While the true cause of Jane Austen’s death may remain elusive, her legacy endures. Her works continue to engage readers and scholars alike, offering both entertainment and insight into the complexities of human experience. As Looser poignantly remarked, Austen’s ability to weave humor and resilience into her writing serves as a testament to her enduring spirit and relevance in contemporary discussions about health and literature.
