Dr. Helen Small

Biography

Helen Small is the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. Her work lies at the intersection of literature, intellectual history, and philosophy, particularly moral philosophy. In recent years, she has focused on the advocacy of humanities and the philosophy of literature concerning aging. She is currently working on several books, including a critical account titled 'Changing Humanities', which examines how cultural, political, and media conditions are altering research disciplines in the humanities. Relevant publications include her essay in the inaugural issue of Age, Culture, Humanities, titled 'Assisted Living: Acting Naturally Room 135' and 'On Knowing Feel', both exploring the themes of aging and literature. Her recent book, 'Function Cynicism', funded by a Leverhulme Trust Fellowship, argues against the dominant perception of modern cynicism as politically and philosophically weak, showing how 19th-century writers employed cynicism to calibrate public debate and everyday psychology. She also explores the implications of old age in works by notable authors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Shakespeare. In addition to her research, Helen teaches Victorian literature and co-convenes a Masters course in English Literature at Oxford. She is a Fellow of the British Academy and the English Association, and has served on the REF panel for English Language and Literature in 2021.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards