Jane Austen's Oxford Years: A 'Satiric' Experience
A captivating exhibition has unveiled the lesser-known, somewhat gloomy side of Jane Austen's life in Oxford. This display, titled 'The Austens at Oxford', is currently captivating visitors at St John's College until December 8th, offering a unique glimpse into the family's history.
This exhibition is a highlight of the year-long celebration of the renowned writer's 250th birth anniversary. Michael Riordan, the college archivist and co-curator, believes it to be the grandest Austen-themed exhibition in the city during this special year.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Jane Austen's connection to Oxford runs deep. Almost all of her close and extended family had strong ties to the University of Oxford. The college's founder, Sir Thomas White, was her seven times great uncle, as he was the brother of Jane's direct ancestor.
And this is the part most people miss—four generations of the Austen family were fellows of the college! Yet, Jane's own experience at Oxford was 'brief and not the happiest', as co-curator Dr. Timothy Manningmore reveals. Her writing about the city is laced with satire and irony, a stark contrast to the fond memories her brothers, James and Henry, had of their time there.
The exhibition showcases rare letters, with Dr. Manningmore emphasizing their value due to their scarcity. Astonishingly, less than 1% of Austen's letters are believed to have survived, as most were burnt after her death due to their often humorous and sharp-tongued nature. The exhibition also includes objects like a menu from a college dinner attended by Austen's father, George, featuring an 18th-century delicacy of tongue and udder.
Controversy Alert: Was Jane Austen's portrayal of Oxford a fair reflection or a biased view from a young student's perspective? Did her satirical tone stem from personal experience or was it a literary device? Share your thoughts below!
