The Oxford comma: the hidden world of Oxford

By Raven Lirio

Copy Editor

Along the bustling streets of Oxford lies a number of hidden treasures unknown to the normal passerby. Within this city of new discoveries and history exists a world of creatures, myths and tales lurking in the shadows, unseen by the untrained eye.

With just one walk past the old colleges and the beautiful dome of the Radcliffe Camera, it is not hard to see how these grand Oxford buildings inspired students and scholars alike throughout the ages. Among these scholars included names like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Both Lewis and Tolkien were residents of Oxford and were in fact close friends. The two both attended and served as English faculty at Oxford University. Together, they formed the literary group ‘the Inklings’ which met at the Eagle and Child Pub to discuss literary work and offer critiques on manuscripts. The pub, located less than a block from Regent’s Park College, still operates today and commemorates the group within the establishment.

While at Oxford, Lewis often attended church at what is now called the University Church. Through a side door, he found the inspiration for his hit series ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’ The familiar face on the door inspired the character of Aslan while the two goats on the sides of the door brought about Mr. Tumnus. Just off to the right of the doorway stands a lamp post which made its way into Lewis’ work one snowy evening and subsequently into the world of Narnia.

Tolkien similarly drew inspiration through the nearby All Souls College. The college’s iconic ‘two towers’ provided the basis for Tolkien’s second book in the Lord of the Rings series. Additionally, the sundial, just to the left of those towers, became the inspiration for the Eye of Sauron.

Mathematician Lewis Carroll drew his own inspiration from a young girl by the name of Alice Liddell. While visiting Oxford, Carroll befriended the Dean of Christ Church and his family. Carroll one day went on a boat ride with Charles Lutwidge Dodson and Rev. Robison Duckworth and three of the dean’s daughters, including Alice. During this voyage, he told the tale of “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground” which the young girl loved and begged for him to write it down for her. Three years later, Carroll published the new title “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

Even cinematographers are not immune to Oxford’s charms. The Old Bodleian Library was used to film both the infirmary and the Forbidden Library in the Harry Potter movies and the Bridge of Sighs has reported been seen in many films including Transformers.

Oxford has given birth to new realms, adventures, stories and more. Full of culture and history, it really is no surprise that many are inspired by the allure that the beautiful city has to offer.

As students scurry every morning past the Radcliffe Camera on their way to tutorials, it really pays just to sit and watch the people go by and perhaps dream of your own world in the inspirational city that is Oxford.  

Share your thoughts