Cupid and Psyche in the
nuptial bower from Wikimedia
Notes:
- There is imagery of a white bird diving into water to alert Venus of her son's presence.
- There is also a lengthy description about the fall in Venus's reputation, listing the ways in which the people are beginning to perceive her.
- "The talkative bird's tongue ran on" provides an image to portray the speed and length of which the bird starts talking.
- Every time someone talks, it seems like they are holding a long conversation with themselves. There aren't many situations in which two people are constantly talking to each other back and forth.
- The temple is described in great detail. It is portrayed as untidy, but still seems magnificent.
- The author uses the word "drenched" to portray the amount of tears falling from Psyche. Clearly she is sobbing.
- The long list of things Psyche beseeches Ceres by goes to show her desperation and devotion.
- Interestingly, despite Psyche's impressive knowledge of the gods, which is shown through her ability to list all of Juno's shrines/temples, she can't seem to get anyone to side with her. This goes to show Venus's power.
- Venus's chariot is superbly ornate. The story goes in great detail to describe just how amazing it is. It even has a jewel encrusted harness. It flies by the power of various birds.
- Venus talks about herself in third person as she tries to persuade her brother Mercury to spread the word that she has a reward for whoever delivers Psyche to her.
- Random thought insert. Cupid is such a wimp, writhing in pain over a small burn.
- Venus implies she has the power to now all the birth of Psyche's baby.
- Venus's assault on Psyche is described as a "tirade".
- Venus's revenge goes to turning Psyche, known for her beauty, into a "hideous creature".
- An ant is portrayed as having complex thought... gathers a bunch of his ant friends and they help her sort the pile of things Venus left her. This part reminds me of a Cinderella type story... like when she had to separate lentils from ash.
- The word "garlanded" is used to show that Venus's body is covered in roses. Nice word.
- "Under one roof but separated" is a great phrase utilized to show that although Cupid and Psyche were so close, they could not meet.
- I like that throughout this story, Psyche is receiving aid from things that would normally not speak in real life. She has now received advice from a reed. And then an eagle helped her fetch the water. Now a turret.
- Psyche, time and time again, keeps falling to her curiosity.
- The story says he "wipes away the sleep" that escaped from the jar as if it is a liquid.
- Jupiter goes to list, as this story often does, the things that totally suck about Cupid before agreeing to help him.
- The story makes sure to highlight that Cupid and Psyche's wedding is being celebrated by all people in attendance, even with Venus dancing. Psyche even becomes immortal and has a daughter named Pleasure.
- At this point we are reminded that this is a story within a story.
You know, after taking these notes, I think I may have written too much. I guess I will have to decide that for myself later. It was a bit difficult to comment on the language of this passage. I tended to also include some plot points in my notes. I like that this story had a happily ever after, but it seemed that Cupid and Psyche got together to easily once Cupid decided to get help. Whatever! I wasn't satisfied. Psyche was constantly giving into her curiosity and trying to throw herself off cliffs. I guess that is just for the dramatic flair, but I wish she had been mentally stronger.
Bibliography
Cupid and Psyche taken from the story The Golden Ass by Apuleius, translated by Tony Kline
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