Cupid and Psyche: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cupid and Psyche" explores the intricate dynamics between its major characters, primarily focusing on Cupid, Psyche, and Venus. Cupid, the son of Venus, is a god who falls deeply in love with the mortal Psyche. His affection, however, is complicated by his mother’s jealousy, leading to a series of challenges for the couple. Psyche, a stunning Greek princess, is subjected to Venus's wrath due to her beauty, resulting in her becoming a slave to the goddess after being abandoned by Cupid. Despite her trials, Psyche demonstrates resilience and determination, completing arduous tasks set by Venus with help from supernatural entities.
Venus is portrayed as a powerful figure who, driven by jealousy, seeks to punish Psyche while also testing her worthiness. The character of Zephyrus, the god of the south wind, plays a supportive role by transporting Psyche to Cupid's palace, while Mercury serves as the messenger who ultimately facilitates Psyche's quest for immortality. The story culminates when Jove, the king of the gods, grants Psyche eternal life, allowing her and Cupid to unite forever. Overall, the narrative delves into themes of love, jealousy, and redemption, illustrating the complexities of relationships across the divine and mortal realms.
Cupid and Psyche: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
Genre: Novel
Locale: Greece
Plot: Mythic
Time: The Golden Age
Cupid, a god, Venus' son. He falls in love with Psyche and becomes her lover. When Psyche tries to see him, against his command, he kills her sisters, who had encouraged her action. He also abandons Psyche to the world. His love conquers his will, however, and he takes Psyche back again, petitioning Jove, king of the gods, to let her become immortal.
Psyche, a Greek princess. An oracle tells her father to leave her exposed upon a mountain to prevent the destruction of his people. Because of her beauty, Psyche arouses the jealousy of Venus. After being abandoned by Cupid, her lover, Psyche wanders the earth and finally becomes Venus' slave. With supernatural help, she completes the otherwise insurmountable tasks assigned by Venus and wins back Cupid's love. Upon drinking ambrosia given her by Jove, Psyche becomes immortal.
Venus, goddess of love. Jealous of Psyche, she makes the girl her slave and assigns her four tasks: to separate an immense pile of mixed seeds, to gather the golden fleece of Venus' sheep, to fill a jug with water from a stream that feeds the rivers Styx and Cocytus, and to collect some of Proserpine's beauty in a box.
Zephyrus, god of the south wind. He carries Psyche to Cupid's palace. He also delivers Psyche's sisters there when Cupid grants Psyche their company in her loneliness.
Mercury, the messenger god who conducts Psyche to the presence of Jove.
Jove (Jupiter), king of the gods. He grants immortality to Psyche so that she and Cupid can be together forever.