Successful English & Italian (Languages) Oxbridge Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement by a successful Oxbridge English and Italian applicant
Angela Carter and Italo Calvino are skilled in embedding a plurality of symbolism within the surface attractions of a traditional storyline which is evident in their fairy tale works such as ‘The Bloody Chamber’ or ‘Our Ancestors’. With the argument that this multiplicity of meaning engenders a subjectivity of interpretation, I conducted a personal study into the fairy tale’s relevance in modern society, especially in light of the more recent feminist criticism of Perrault and the Grimms. I was struck by Calvino’s assertion that fairy tales contain more honesty than ‘verismo’ which perhaps refers to the genre’s capacity for formal symmetry and neat resolution that overtly diverges from arbitrary reality. Thus, through studying fairy tales, I developed an interest in the complex relationship between the fictive and real which I find to be the principal fascination of literature.
[1] The personal statement begins with a sophisticated analysis of the works of Angela Carter and Italo Calvino, highlighting their skill in incorporating multiple layers of symbolism within traditional fairy tale narratives. The applicant's personal study on the relevance of fairy tales in modern society, particularly in the context of feminist criticism, demonstrates their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking abilities.
The concept of the divergence between fiction and reality shaped my interpretation of ‘The Great Gatsby’. The book is an apt example of an author’s prerogative to tailor a world in which even physical details such as Daisy’s hair colour fluctuate to create a character emblematic of caprice. The insinuation of Nick’s suppositions into the story elevated the character of Gatsby and his gauche pursuit of a vacuous woman to the level of a lofty meditation on the illusory nature of ideals. Nick’s deviation into the fantastical is perhaps an allusion to the comforting neatness of the fairy tale which his narrative imposes upon his sense of trauma in a New York existence devoid of meaning or direction. The substantial edits Fitzgerald made to Gatsby’s dialogue and personal revelations of his motives allow Nick’s mysterious creation, defined by an idealistic pursuit, to crystallise. This construction of a fixed, emblematic character is also present in Pirandello’s controversial play ‘6 Characters in Search of an Author’ which was intriguing in its portrayal of our daily search for a Kunderan ‘Heaviness’ in the immutability of his fictional characters to compensate for our constant state of change and self-uncertainty.
[2] The mention of Italo Calvino's belief that fairy tales possess more honesty than "verismo" reflects the applicant's engagement with the intricate relationship between fiction and reality. Their interpretation of "The Great Gatsby" as an exploration of the illusory nature of ideals and the interplay between fiction and trauma showcases their analytical prowess in literary analysis.
[3] The reference to Pirandello's play "6 Characters in Search of an Author" further demonstrates the applicant's broad literary knowledge and their interest in examining the search for stability and meaning in the face of constant change and uncertainty. Their ability to connect diverse literary works reflects their capacity for interdisciplinary thinking.
However, this concept is perhaps challenged in Calvino’s ‘If on a winter’s night a traveller’ as the novel seeks to undermine our assumed stability of fictive worlds and authorial authority. Many of the characters populating the sub-stories attempt to mine their own narratives for details and images which may direct their course, often with morbidly comical results. The pursuit of finality and complete understanding within reading is perhaps Calvino’s satire on the dangers of interpretation. He counteracts this seductive desire to enforce one total meaning upon a text with an advocacy for ‘Multiplicity’ which he cited as one of his ‘Six Memos for the Next Millennium’.
[4] The mention of Calvino's novel "If on a winter's night a traveller" highlights the applicant's appreciation for complex narratives that challenge assumptions and explore multiple perspectives. Their recognition of Calvino's advocacy for "Multiplicity" in interpretation showcases their nuanced understanding of textual analysis.
It was this theory of viewing texts from diverse angles that instigated my interest in learning Italian in order to appreciate its literature in its original form. Studying French at Pre-U has made clear to me the subjectivity of translating and, given the maxim of ‘Traduttore, traditore’, I hope an understanding of the language will allow me to attain a further multiplicity of meaning within texts. In addition, watching Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘The Great Beauty’ has given me a taste for Italian cinema which I hope to pursue further in the course. I was intrigued to see the fatuous lives of its characters staged in the historical sites of Rome – perhaps a broader engagement with contemporary Italy’s attempt to grapple with its celebrated past whilst seeking a means to move forward. Through the course I also hope to use my knowledge of the controversial Risorgimento gleaned from History Pre-U to better comprehend the regional divisions of modern Italy.
[5] The applicant's decision to learn Italian in order to appreciate Italian literature in its original form demonstrates their dedication to deepening their understanding of texts and accessing additional layers of meaning. Their awareness of the subjectivity of translation and the desire for a multiplicity of meanings reflects their keen awareness of language's impact on interpretation.
[6] The mention of Paolo Sorrentino's film "The Great Beauty" and the applicant's interest in Italian cinema showcases their broader cultural engagement and their desire to explore contemporary Italy's grappling with its history and future. The integration of their historical knowledge of the Risorgimento further highlights their ability to draw connections across different subjects.
My work towards Diploma in piano and Grade 8 in pedal harp has developed an appreciation of perseverance and discipline. I taught French to primary school children which reinforced my interest in learning a language ab initio.
[7] The applicant's pursuit of musical achievements in piano and pedal harp, as well as their experience teaching French to primary school children, demonstrates their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal and academic growth.
Offers received:
Oxford
Exeter
St Andrews
Edinburgh
Warwick
Why is this a good Oxbridge English and Italian personal statement?
Overall, this personal statement offers a compelling exploration of literature, philosophy, language, and cultural dynamics. The applicant's analysis of works by Angela Carter, Italo Calvino, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Luigi Pirandello demonstrates their deep understanding of complex narratives and symbolism.
They show a keen awareness of the interplay between fiction and reality, and their appreciation for multiple interpretations reflects their intellectual depth. Their passion for language learning, particularly Italian, highlights their commitment to understanding texts from diverse angles.
Additionally, their involvement in music and teaching showcases their discipline and ability to connect with others.
Overall, this personal statement demonstrates the applicant's interdisciplinary mindset, cultural curiosity, and commitment to personal and academic growth, making them a strong candidate for an Oxford or Cambridge program.
