Renate Mattar

Comparative Literature

Please tell us about your research project.

I am a Ph.D. candidate in French and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. My research focuses on post-civil-war Lebanon: how is traumatic memory inherited in a context where violent events are not only being transmitted across generations, but re-enacted? I explore how the anticipation of further violence and dynamics of repetition complicate the relationship we have to intergenerational trauma. Grounded in a decolonial approach, my research brings together a corpus spanning literature, emerging theatre, and architecture.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

I am affiliated with both Wolfson College and the Oxford Centre for Life Writing (OCLW) through a Visiting Doctoral Exchange scheme. OCLW is a wonderful community of scholars and non-fiction writers who meet every Tuesday to workshop one another’s work. The feedback I have received has been extremely constructive and has helped me improve my writing considerably.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

It feels almost dreamlike. I feel that there is a unique quality of focus here that has been really helpful in advancing my research, but also in developing other creative writing projects. Having spent the past few years in New York, I find it very restorative to be so close to nature and to live in this smaller, slower-paced city.

But there is still a lot happening, and so many stimulating events going on every day, which is wonderful. I also appreciate how sociable Oxford is, and how welcoming people have been.

Staying at the Maison Française has also been an amazing opportunity to connect with other doctoral students from a wide range of disciplines. Being able to stay at the MFO and engage in the life of this wonderful cultural centre has really made all the difference.