Symbolism and imagery in the story of Cupid and Psyche in Apuleius' Metamorphosis

Abstract

A study of the story of Cupid and Psyche within the context of the Metamorphoses as a whole reveals a recurrent pattern of themes, motifs, and images, which indicates that the story symbolises the experiences of Lucius. The Judaeo-Christian Greek meaning of psyche, oneself, implies that Psyche is a symbol of Lucius. This is borne out by the similarity of their experiences, and by the fact that they both have the same character traits of simplicitas and curiositas. Cupid's warnings to Psyche concerning the control which Fortuna has over her life further establish the connection between Psyche and Lucius, whose life is controlled by blind Fate. Military imagery, and images of light and dark, which occur in connection with Cupid and Psyche, also describe the experiences of Lucius. Venus symbolises Isis, as is indicated by Isis' identification of herself as Venus, in addition to many other deities, at the end of the Metamorphoses. Once again imagery, this time of the sea, makes this relationship clear, while military imagery implies a parallel between the relationship of Psyche and Cupid, and that of Lucius and Fotis. Jupiter intervenes in Psyche's misfortunes, just as Isis saves Lucius from his hardships. Juno and Ceres are also identified with Isis at the end of the Metamorphoses, thus linking the story of Cupid and Psyche with the life of Lucius.