ENIGMA Volume 5: Shadows of the World

Enigma's fifth volume showcases writing from University of Exeter students during the 2023/24 academic year. Exeter's writers responded to the themes of Future, Reality, Choice, Reflections, Dreams, and Humanity to create a diverse collection of short stories, poetry, scripts, and non-fiction.

This year, our most popular theme was Reflections. When thinking of a title for this volume, I was inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem, "The Lady of Shalott." In it, Tennyson describes the eponymous lady, who is cursed to never look outside her castle. The title Shadows of the World, is a quote describing what little the lady can see in a mirror, which reflects the busy road and the people of Camelot who pass her by. With nothing to do except to gaze at the mirror, the lady weaves.

Our writers and editors have worked tirelessly to bring you our fifth volume, and within its pages I hope you find the inspiration to create our own art, just as the Lady of Shalott was inspired by her brief glimpses of the outside world.

Ben Blackwell, Journal Director