New Books Network Cassandra S. Tully de Lope, "Masculinity and Identity in Irish Literature: Heroes, Lads, and Fathers" (Routledge, 2024)
Oct 14, 2025
Cassandra S. Tully de Lope is a researcher and author specializing in contemporary Irish literature and masculinity studies. She delves into how figures like Cú Chulainn shape the Irish masculine ideal, scrutinizing the rise of 'heroes' and 'lads' in modern narratives. Cassandra advocates for using corpus linguistics alongside traditional analysis, revealing nuanced patterns in male characters' speech and behavior. She also discusses the impact of father-son dynamics and the interplay of vulnerability behind hypermasculine postures, suggesting fresh avenues for future research.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
From Darcy To Corpus Linguistics
- Cassandra S. Tully de Lope traced her interest in masculinity from studying Mr. Darcy, Heathcliff, and Dorian Gray during her undergraduate work.
- She then moved into corpus linguistics for her MA/PhD with the support of supervisor Carolina Amador and shifted to interdisciplinary methods.
Cú Chulainn Sets Unattainable Standards
- Cú Chulainn functions as an idealised, male-created model that men attempt but fail to live up to in Irish culture and literature.
- That figure demands warrior strength, self-sacrifice, and breadwinner roles that are incompatible with mental and familial wellbeing.
Why Combine Corpus And Close Reading
- Corpus linguistics reveals recurring linguistic patterns across many novels that human reading alone can miss.
- Combining computational counts with close reading lets researchers spot frequency patterns and then interpret context and meaning.
