In the given quote, Mary Augusta Ward describes a period from nine years prior to the spring of 1881 when she resided in Oxford with her family. This timeframe refers to their life in a small house located north of the Parks, an area that was then considered one of the newer sections of the University town.
The deeper meaning of this statement lies in its context and significance within Ward’s personal history. By pinpointing this specific time frame and location, Ward provides insight into her daily experiences and the cultural milieu of Oxford during that era. The mention of living in a new quarter suggests an evolving community and perhaps a sense of being part of something fresh and developing. This quote also serves as a nostalgic reflection on the stability of family life anchored to one place for such an extended period, which was not common in all social circles at the time.
Mary Augusta Ward, born in 1851 as Mary Arnold, was a British novelist, essayist, and religious writer who lived from 1851 to 1920. She is known for her engaging novels that often explored themes of faith, morality, and societal expectations, particularly those facing women in the late Victorian era. Her work frequently delved into the intellectual and social life around Oxford University, making it highly relevant to understand her background during this time mentioned in the quote.
