Journal – Oxford in Literature
Oxford has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit. Britain, in general, has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit. It is interesting for me to observe how much has changed over time among the city, the people, the university and the common perception of it. It’s difficult for me to obtain the sense of place in literature that refers to an environment like Oxford. A college environment with “paneled rooms with mullioned windows; verdant lawn, and stone-wall retreats” (Dougill 610) just sounds beautiful. The comments of Walpole and his description of walking around campus at night, describing it as giving him “a charming venerable Gothic scene, which was not lessened by the monkish appearance of the old fellow stealing to their pleasures” (Walpole 611). It is interesting to learn of how the Gothic style and medieval influence is prevalent throughout many parts of Europe and the Americas, yet is almost impossible to see in Asia. I’m sure however that Catholicism was one of the biggest factors. I take great interest in observing the similarities in system structures of the university in comparison with the structures used today in American universities in addition to the terminology accompanied with it. For instance, the Dean “refers to the head of the college” (Dougill 648) as it does now at the colleges of UT. Another is the world for expulsion, “Sent down” (Dougill 649). Here at UT after obtaining and exceeding the probationary status, a student is rather dismissed as opposed to sent down. Sent down sounds less harsh however. Literature in Great Britain has consisted of some of the most world-renowned authors to ever exist. I know for a fact that the writings of these authors are studied in various countries across the world. The writings have set standards in the humanities and have contributed in giving readers a stronger ability in perceiving the world around us. One of which I personally admire is also listed, “1852 John Henry Newman, The Idea of a University” (Bump 694). I strongly believe that Oxford had an influence on every single one of these writers directly and/or indirectly. The fact that Oxford, itself, possesses so much history through such events as the Tractarian uproar, the Oxford Movement, the rise of feminism ideas and thoughts make the setting even more admirable. Even Charles Lamb’s comments, “Rome has been called the ‘Sacred City’: - might not our Oxford be called so too?” (Lamb 612) expresses the perception of Oxford from the writers of the time in such a high level. Perhaps, if I am privileged enough, I will be given the opportunity to visit such a highly renowned place.