Title: A Cosmopolitan Writing of Irishness: On the Tactics in Colm Tóibín’s Cultural Adaptation of the Classical Myths

Abstract: Colm Tóibín’s literary works mainly focus on fictional narratives set in specific spatio-temporal contexts. However, the publication of The Testament of Mary and House of Names demonstrates a major shift in both his writing paradigm and cultural tactics. Both works reflect the cosmopolitan Irish writer’s in-depth contemplation of the past, present, and future of Ireland and human society, while engaging with classical traditions in Western civilization. From the theoretical perspective of adaptation, this article aims to analyze how Tóibín engages in a personal dialogue with the classical world and how these myths represent contemporary concerns about Irishness and cosmopolitanism through his retelling. This article also explores how Tóibín’s adaptations lead to literary innovation by reinterpreting classical myths. Ultimately, this research seeks to draw attention to the emerging paradigm in Tóibín’s literary output and to offer insights for scholars in interpreting the tradition and trends of classical myth adaptation in Irish literature.

Keywords: Colm Tóibín, classical myths, adaptation, Irishness, cosmopolitanism

Author: Yukun Liu, Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Studies Center, School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China.

DOI: 10.19967/j.cnki.flc.2025.01.003