Reading Diary B: Apuleius's Cupid and Psyche

The second half of Apuleius’s Cupid and Psyche Unit was just as good as the first half.  In the continuation of the story, I found out that the myth was actually very similar with what the books that I’ve read have presented, although with some slight artistic modifications.  There were many aspects of the myth that I liked:

In Psyche’s Prayer, Venus, Juno, and Ceres are presented as family, almost as sisters.  I thought that this was an interesting parallel to Psyche and her two sisters from the beginning of the unit.  However, they were also almost opposites, as Venus is the one with envy while Juno and Ceres attempt to reason with her, but do not disrespect her wishes.  I think that this type of parallel is a great way to show how some families remain united, while others turn on one another.  

Psyche continues to show her dynamic character as well.  Venus and Mercury shows Psyche being turned away, first by Ceres and then by Juno, and yet she still stands strong. She decides to have the courage to face her enemy, despite what is almost certain to be a gruesome fate.  In contrast, in Venus and Psyche on through The Sleep of the Dead, Psyche continually makes efforts to end her life, only to be stopped by the typical fairytale aids.  She wants to jump from cliffs and towers, which shows her weakness.  But when told of a way to complete her tasks, she has the strength to continue.  

I think that proving your love for another through actions is important.  While the way that Psyche is forced to do it is a little over the top, I think that is simply an exaggerated example of something that everyone wants done.  People don’t want to just hear your love, they want to see it.  I think that this is something very important to include in a story with romance.  

The Reunion of Cupid and Psyche.  Source: Wikimedia Commons