On Oxford - An Analysis

 'On Oxford' is a poem composed by John Keats. (1795- 1821) It first appeared in a letter that John Keats wrote to John Hamilton Reynolds in 1817. 

 In the poem, ‘On Oxford’, John Keats has encapsulated the ambience of the contemporary education system in reference to Oxford University. Yet, this poem cannot be considered as a mere manifestation of the negativity of one particular university as suggested by the title. 

The first part of the poem refers to the architecture of Oxford University including pointed arches, ribbed vaults, buttresses and window tracery and claims those to be gothic and solemn. He extends his argument by referring to the plain ‘Doric’ column and the moldering arch. Further, the first stanza encapsulates the conventional atmosphere which prevailed in the university with reference to the old Bishop and his crosier. 

 Shifting the poetic portrayal from the exterior appearance to the interior atmosphere of Oxford University, Keats voices the dominating and morbid manner in which education is conducted. The subjugation of the chancellor together with the black tassell'd trenchers, which symbolize the teachers, manifest the conventionality of contemporary education. The steeple bells and the chantry boy enhance the fact that education at the poet's time could not be distanced from institutional religion. The common hats and pale faces, which contain a symbolic reference to the students, bring forth the bitter reality of the contemporary educational institutions. Correspondingly, Keats has shed light on the larger picture of all the edification centers by specifically pointing out one of the major institutions. 

 The final stanza provides an overview of the easy-going lifestyle of the parsons. He ridicules the parsons by referring to the benison which is purposely shortened due to their utter greed. Although the sarcasm is not antagonistic or offensive, Keats has artfully brought forth the nudity of corrupted religious leaders to the limelight. 

 Accordingly, the hypocrisy of the institutionalization of sacred domains such as education and religion can be mirrored as the major thematic concerns of the poem. 

The poem 'On Oxford' contains three stanzas through which the thematic motifs are brought out. In order to compose the poem; Keats has imitated the meter of a poem written by the great poet; William Wordsworth. Likewise, the rhyming words such as 'Arch-Larch' and 'Trees-Ease' light up the poetic quality. Further, the third person narration has supported Keats in distancing himself from his observation. From the first to the last stanza, the poem is pregnant with literary devices. For an instance, the symbolic references such as pale faces and trenches escalate the literary quality while the symbol of common hat stands as a metonymy as well. 

There is both visual and auditory imagery which reflect a gothic quality at large. For an instance, 'Plain Doric Column' can be manifested as visual imagery while the sound of the bell does its duty as auditory imagery in an effective manner. The personification of 'Gothic', repetition of 'Plenty of' and the enjambment which runs throughout the poem also immensely contribute the literary quality of the poem. Thus, the poetic devices used in ‘On Oxford’ has successfully proven the mastery of Keatsian writing. 

 References 

1. Ebooks.adelaide.edu.au. (2019). Poems, by John Keats : Lines Rhymed in a Letter From Oxford. [online] Available at: https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/k/keats/john/poems/lines-oxford.html [Accessed 18 Jan. 2019]. 

2. Keats, J. and Keats, L. (2019). Lines Rhymed In A Letter From Oxford Poem by John Keats - Poem Hunter. [online] PoemHunter.com. Available at: https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-rhymedin-a-letter-from-oxford/ [Accessed 18 Jan. 2019]. Further Reading 1. Matthews, G. (2009). John Keats. London: Routledge. 2. Keats, J. (2009). Complete poems and selected letters of John Keats. New York: Random House Publishing Group. 

3. MIZUKOSHI, A. (2016). Keats, hunt and the aesthetics of pleasure. [Place of publication not identified]: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN. 

4. O'Neill, J. (1986). Critics on keats. [Place of publication not identified]: Univ Of Miami Pr.

 5. Hobsbaum, P. (2004). Keats's Theory of Poetry. The Keats-Shelley Review, 18(1), pp.38-50

Article on Bintenna and Veddas

In each country, the representatives of the aboriginal community are of an immense importance. Similarly, Vedda; the aboriginal community in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in locating the folk-diversity of the island. Vedda, or Veddah, can be defined as island’s aboriginal inhabitants who settled in the island prior to the 6th century BCE. The word vedda also connotes the notion of a forest dweller which is justified due to their dwelling in dry forest areas of the island.

 According to Mahawamsa; the predominant historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, the roots of Vedda community derives from the descendants of Kuveni; the native queen of Vijaya; the first and foremost king of Sri Lanka. Thus, Vedda people can be historically referred to as the first and foremost people of the country even though this conception is not archeologically theorized. Yet according to the archeological evidence, their roots are directed to far back in history around 10,000 BC. They have a noteworthy resemblance with the Neolithic beings of the stone age as well.

There are three major categories of Veddas as Forest Veddas, Village Veddas and Coast Veddas. The approximate number of indigenous community is counted as 5000. According to C.G.Seligman, there have 2 been 12 vedda colonies which have been limited to a few colonies at present. The Vedda community is diversly located in various places of the island, yet major part of the community is settled in the area of Bintanna. The village Dambana; which is located in Mahiyangana District is the predominant place where Vedda population reside.

Even though the geographical location is surrounded by forest areas their lifestyle is akin to those of a normal village life. Yet it should not go unnoticed that their way of living is uniquely differentiated from the natives. Thus, Vedda clan can be identified as a separate community hence there are visible political, economic, cultural and social distinctions between them and the other parts of Sri Lankan civilization.

Their way of living is apparently simple and contented. Their lives are surrounded by nature to a greater extent away from the hullaballoo of city life. In earlier times, it is said that they lived in caves and made their clothes by utilizing barks and leaves. Their main economic activity has been hunting and gathering from a longer time which were respectively carried out by men and women showcasing a clear-cut gender demarcation which recalls the universal picture of pre-civilized era as a whole. Gathering included collecting plants, herbs and honey. At past, men used to 3 go on month long honey hunts. Even though it has become a distanced activity now, honey still plays a major part of their food intake. Chena cultivation has also been conducted as an economic activity. Coconut cultivation is also closely knitted in their economic network hence coconut palm offers them food as well as row materials for house building and art and craft.

To discuss the social values, marriages happened within the community, mostly they were marriages among relations. Marriage usually takes the form of crosscousin relationships. Even though most of the other clans of veddas are into nuclear family units, Bintenne veddas live either in closely proximity to parents or within the same household. Vedda women have equal status with men in inheritance. Further, the foremost part of any meal is served to women. Even though there was a gender demarcation in household activities as mentioned under economic conditions, there is no patriarchy in the larger picture.

Their cultural activities are still enacted profoundly. For an instance, their singing and dancing tradition including the famous dance 'kiri koraha' are practiced with the same vibrance of earlier times. Many rituals are conducted in an unchanged manner from the past. There are many rituals revolving around child birth too. Kids would be called Kakula and Kakuli in their early childhood, but later proper names will be given to them. 4 In earlier times, dead bodies were covered with dry leaves and left in a cave. The demised are called Yakkha and given a stage of reverence. They are placed in an equal position to gods. They build up shrines for them and prayers are made continuously.

Their religious activities predominantly involves worshiping spirits. According to their animistic perception, the natural inanimate objects said to possess spirits. Many rituals are conducted for these natural objects bearing in the mind that the spirituality exists in these objects. They also worship their deceased relations calling them 'Na Yakku' Their religion is devoted to their own ancestors.

Education was majorly nature bound in earlier times. Yet in 1947, Dambana primary school was opened, and formal education started to flourish in the province. Dambane Gunawardene; who is a well known author and a researcher now was the first person to enter a government university. 

Even though they have a very rich language, some of the Vedda community; especially the younger generations, have adopted colloquial Sinhala language as their mode of communication due to cultural assimilation. Yet, it should be noted that Wanniyalatto, the chief of the community who indeed is an icon of Sri Lankan pride never converses in another linguistic mode other than the native Vedda language. Thus, despite challenges, the 5 original language still remains and passed down from generation to generation. 'Manganchchanawa' for going, 'kotabanawa' for eating are some of the famous phrases that they utilize often. Their unique method of greeting by holding the hands of those who are outside the clan and tourists is followed by the native phrase; 'Mamakachchak kondamai' which resembles 'Ayubowan' in Sinhala or 'Welcome' in English.

When I sat down to write this article my mind started to wonder in the memory laden road. Exactly before 13 years I got a chance to participate in a field visit to Dambana organized by a government university. Wanniyalatto, the chief tribesmen took us in to the midst of wilderness. Ranni, his pet deer kept hopping along side us, throughout our journey among the immense beauty of national surroundings. During the night there was a cultural exchange program where university students represented Sinhala culture via their dancing and singing events whilst the vedda community showcased their cultural values through several cultural activities.

Gurukumbura school which distributes knowledge among the youngsters of Dambana does not have a school anthem, but an anthem of teachers written by Mr Dambane Gunawardana . It connotes the immerse 6 dedication the small staff of teachers bear in mind towards the younger generation. As unraveled in the conversations, hunting practice has been changed now. There are vegetarians including Wanniyalatto and Dambane Gunwardena.

High intellect of Wanniyalatto is admired all around the country which is actualized by the fact he is invited by several research conferences to denote key note speeches. The key note speech he delivered at a conference on world climate change brings forth the importance of living closely with nature. He also criticizes the deforestation and reminds the so called civilized society of the importance of coming back to roots.

 The exceeding growth of Sinhala villages and the imposed cultural assimilation has a grave impact on Vedda civilization. It should not be disregarded that there is a threat of them being distinct. The younger generation is adapting to modern ways and means. Their clothing style has been changed a lot. Yet via cultural activities and rituals, they still endeavor to preserve their culture by handing over to younger generation.

Let me end the article by referring to a word of wisdom skipped from Wannilatto's mouth which would pass a beautiful message not only to Vedda community but to any human being around the world. 7 'Inner goodness and beauty of humanity should not be confined to literary texts; they should be written deeply in the 'laya pojjas' or the hearts of human beings' 

 

 

Unearthing the Unknown - A short Story!

"Shall I turn on the radio?" 

Kevin's train of thoughts was interrupted by Anya's voice. He shot her an approving glance with a beaming smile. When her beautiful - slender fingers reached the radio button, a soft music came running through the metal music player as if to disconnect both of them from the real world.

Kevin instantly recognized the song from its intro part. It was "Aaradana.." by maestro Amaradewa. He loved the song. Even though he never publicly accepted that he listen to Sinhala songs often, he found Sinhala language so soothing. Yet, he did not have anyone with whom he could share his deep thoughts in Sinhala. His parents always talked in English. So were most of his companions. Even when there was possible avenue to speak in Sinhala, they were used to switch back to English in a moment. His friends were masters of code switching. He knew that it was a sign of distancing themselves from their mother tongue, so he was afraid to publicly declare his passion for Sinhala at all. But, a moment with a Sinhala song was a great avenue for him to take refuge in his own rich, beautiful language. 

But, suddenly the song was stopped!

"What are these cheap songs?"

Anya's voice was getting deeper as an estranged wave in an unrecognizable deep-sea.

"Do you really listen to these Sinhala FMs? Shit! I can't even bear the thought of listening to this bullshit." 

Kevin wanted to say that he loved listening to Sinhala music. Yet he felt as an invisible hand was grabbing his Adams apple. So, he remained silent and listened to her complains about Sinhala language. Kevin knew Anya close enough to know the narrow scope of the society she was exposed to. So, he never misguided such comments usually came flowing through her perfect, rounded lips. He did not want to correct her either. He was deeply afraid that his fiancée would misjudge him to be a 'cheap' man. Anya was someone he could not loose so easily. There social classes and occupations were perfectly fitting. So, how could he let go of such a good woman? No, his desire for stupid Sri Lankan music was not worth damaging the image he had implanted on Anya's mind as her posh knight in shining armor.

So, he silently promised himself not to take the side of maestro Amaradewa and remained utterly silent.

They were on a vacation. After an extremely exhausting period at the international company Kevin had been working for, he had got a desire to travel. Both of them had travelled the world. So, as Anya's uncle suggested, what they wanted was a good exploration of Sri Lankan landscape. Rather reluctantly, both of them have eventually agreed.

While driving all the way from Colombo to Kurunagala, Kevin was rather amused by the idea of travelling their motherland with Anya by his side. Both of them were literally strangers to their country, hence they were brought up in a very aristocratic background. 

"We belong to the élite. We don't mingle with those of lower social classes'

Anya's mother used to advise her when she was of a very tender age.  She did not have many friends at school hence her parents were very conscious of the social background of her friends. So, the very few friends she had known belong to 'the elite.' 

Even her relationship with Kevin was a consequence of her respect to her parent's decision. Their families were known to each other for a long time. What Anya's parents wanted was a boy from a very rich, English spoken family for her to spend the rest of her life with. So, when Anya agreed to marry Kevin, they were very happy that they no longer had to worry that she would get involved with a boy of a lower birth.

They were dating for some time before they got engaged. Indeed, they got along well. Yet, both Kevin and Anya felt as something was missing from their relationship. Was it passion? Or intimacy? They were not sure what it was. After all, both of them have not got along with many from the opposite gender. Thus, there was no way to find out what was 'missing' in their relationship.

Kevin blocked his thoughts when he saw the sign of the hotel they were planning to take their breakfast. Anya's uncle had previously done all the arrangements and sent them all the details. When he drove the car passed the tiny wooden gate of the hotel, he was shocked to know that it was not a place of much extravagance. It was not even a restaurant. It was a little hotel with an authentic Sri Lankan appearance. While releasing the breaks, Kevin thought why on earth Anya's uncle had chosen this place for them out of all the restaurants they were passing along the road. He knew uncle Mahinda to be a down-to-earth person. But to go to this extent? This was undoubtedly too much!

"Is he crazy?" Anya was murmuring while setting her foot on the ground. Yet, she had no other choice other than eating in this shabby place hence she was so hungry that she wanted to eat as immediately as possible.

When they entered the little hotel, Anya was literally outrageous. The hotel was clean, serene, everything that a hungry person looking for a good place to eat would love. Yet, the hotel was filled with Sinhala - speaking men, women and kids.

When a middle aged man dressed in a national Sri Lankan suit walked passing their table, Anya gave a recoiling look. Kevin not only understood her thoughts but also returned the emotion with a contemptuous glance and a nod.

"So lame" Anya replied with wide eyes. "I can't bear to be with these local people. Did you see that man, Kevin? Must be a like a frog in a well! Can you imagine the shallowness of these people? With no access to English or whatever?"

While Anya was criticizing the man in the national suit, Kevin saw that he was coming near their table. Yet he did not take it seriously hence he was more than certain that this man did not understand a single word Anya uttered in English.

The man in the national suit came directly towards them and smiled.

"Dear kids, what you have to do is to decolonize your minds" 

English; so clear, so pure came flowing through his lips.

For the first time in her life, Anya was unable to release a single word in the language she had admired so much. 

Haritha - හරිතා

When I went to see Haritha, my hair was still damp since I bathed early in the morning.

I assumed it was around 6.15 in the morning. On second thought, I predicted that it must be 6.30 am. No matter what was the time, Haritha was already up! 

She turned towards me as she heard my footsteps. She always recognized the sound of my feet; being the only one to do so. The very thought brought a sudden smile to my lips as it remembered me the way my sister Niwarthana; mocks at my devotion towards Haritha.  

Approaching Haritha, I bent and kissed her. She received my kiss with great eagerness. I took one of Haritha's little fingers in my hand and pressed it warmly. The finger was of a very smooth shade of pink. I could not resist falling in love with everything about her - the delicate touch, the perfect combination of green and pink on her body and fingers. 

Hairtha is still very tiny - just a little taller than my knee. The only problem is that Haritha's inability to talk. Yet, I'd rather say it is not a big issue for me hence I could talk to her. And, I do believe that she can clearly understand each and everything I tell her. 

The radiant rays of sun were spreading on the morning sky. The vast blue sky possessed an extremely pleasing view. My eyes were softened with the tender rays. As I felt the moment was too splendid to spend alone; I turned to Haritha, to share the beautiful sight with her. She was already looking at the scenery as if to tell me that she is a significant part of the natural beauty than us, the human beings could ever become.

"Don't always turn your face towards sunlight.'' I warned her. ''Your pretty face will be burnt. I should keep you in a more shady place''

Haritha did not care. She moved her limbs more harder than ever and directly faced the flowing down rays of sun. It made me so angry that I felt a side of my mouth is acquiring the shape of a frown.   

"Why don't you listen to me'' I was unknowingly raising my voice. "Always laughing about everything! You bad girl!"

Haritha seemed to be seriously wounded by my words as she abruptly stopped laughing. 

In a minute, a large tear drop fell near her feet.

I felt like something big and strong is stuffed in my throat. I silently sat near her, reaching for one of her several limbs. As she raised her chin, I spotted colorless tear drops all over her face. 

The sun deepened its rays, at once! 

Being very careful not to hurt Haritha, I wiped off the tear drops in the most tender manner I could. A soft breeze came as to offer me a helping hand to sooth my darling girl.

It worked! Haritha began to smile again!

"I promise never to hurt you furthermore!'' I murmured as I pulled Haritha closer to me. She leaned to me as if to assure that she reciprocated my love. 

The deepened sun rays were lightened by and by. 

The embrace was so soft and warm that it gave me a divine feeling. I simply enjoyed the pure relationship among Haritha and myself. It was something could not be expressed by mere words. A love so divine and selfless!

When the tear drops were all dried, it hinted me that time has come to depart. 

"Can I go, my bounteous lady?"  
I smiled slightly as the words came through my lips.

Haritha, with a sense of royalty, nodded, allowing me to leave. Yet at the next moment, her tender hands were directed towards me which I identified as a gesture to hold her for another moment. I did, with a great pleasure, as her ever green bosom pressed to my cheek. 

I felt something - something I did not notice even when I held her before. I have known Haritha long enough to know the exact touch of her thousands of leafy limbs. I tried to move her aside to see what part of Haritha touched my cheek.

At that very moment, I heard my mother's voice calling out for me.

It was different from the usual voice which wakens me up at morning. It had the beautiful tone of the excitement which possessed whenever we pass an exam with flying colors. Thus, to know the reason what put my mother in such an amusement, I turned my head and caught a glimpse of her happy face.

" Niwarthana has reached puberty!"

As her voice hit my ears, I did not know what to say at first. I simply could not find the right word to speak. Personally, in my view, reaching puberty does not appear as a great accomplishment since I never found the beginning of menstruation as that much of an awesome thing. 

Then, the realization came like a sudden lightning. This means now my sister is an adult - I would say now she could be considered an adult; traditionally though. I suddenly started to like the feeling. 

Now we will be fellow sufferers!

From now on, we could share everything. We would be more intimate with each other. We could talk about the uniqueness our physique, we could share the menstrual stuff, we could talk about art and passion more deeply! 

I was over the moon with realization - She is going to be the person whom I always wanted to talk the beautiful emotions I've always felt with. 

In that light, how amazing is the fact that Niwarthana has reached puberty.

I wanted to break the news to Haritha; who was my fellow sufferer until now; the girl who mutely listened to every thing I shared with her. 

As I was turning to Haritha, I remembered that I came across something strange on her bosom. In order to check it while breaking the good news to Haritha, I turned; and at that very moment; suddenly spotted it!

Haritha's first and foremost flower was peeping through her slender limbs.