Auburn, in its 170 years of schooling, has claimed many names, vocations and slogans. Two of Auburn’s most recognized slogans have origins from Oliver Goldsmith’s 1770 poem "The Deserted Village."
Goldsmith was an Irish author, widely known for being a hack writer, or an author that is paid to write on short deadlines. These writers are usually paid by the word instead of the quality of their work.
Goldsmith’s most notable work was "Citizen of the World," which was first published in Public Ledger magazine. Though, something more stuck out to fans: "The Deserted Village."
The poem is an early act of socio-political commentary. Goldsmith is subtly condemning the pursuit of extreme wealth, rural exodus and emigration from the village to the United States.
"The Deserted Village" holds two notable lines that Auburn holds near and dear: "Loveliest Village on The Plains" and "Tigers."
Loveliest Village:
“Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain”
The poem opens with this line, one meant in regard to Auburn, Ireland, where Goldsmith grew up. Opening with this line paints the picture of a quaint village, where the citizens aren’t bombarded by ever-growing city life.
Goldsmith furthers on this line by playing with the phrasing: “Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn [...]”
Auburn University, as we know it, also holds true to both of these lines. With its clean campus and friendly atmosphere, Auburn, Alabama has become a place to love, just as Goldsmith loved Auburn, Ireland. The line has been taken and marketed everywhere for years, and the University has held true and kept things beautiful.
Tigers:
“Where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey”
Goldsmith explores strong images throughout his writing, this line being one of the most prominent. Auburn, Alabama or Auburn, Ireland aren’t natively home to tigers. Though, the image created is something powerful.
For the Irish, the line acts as an ever-present danger, most likely formed from the desertion of rural life at the time. Though, for Auburn University, the line is the opposite. The University has taken this line and trademarked it as the official mascot of the school, even though it's often mistaken to be an eagle. The line itself acts as a line of patience and knowing. Something will happen; it all just depends on when the tiger strikes.
As a community, Auburn has found Goldsmith’s words to be poetic and world-making. That world that was made was the foundation of Auburn University: patient, smiling and clean. Those that first adopted these slogans ran them up the flagpole and Auburn fans, students and citizens alike will salute.
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
