Psyche's metamorphosis: an exploration of changes in role and character
Loading...
Date
2017
Authors
Halim, Lisa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis explores Psyche’s moments of role reversal and character change in Apuleius’ Metamorphoses and how she acts as a catalyst for Cupid and Venus’s changes. The thesis uses different approaches to analyse how Apuleius facilitates these changes based on the premise that Apuleius draws on many strands to weave his tale. The first chapter outlines the approaches used which range from those rooted in narratology, based on Propp and Campbell, to those which respond to philosophy, and societal norms. The second chapter catalogues Psyche’s changes, for example, she becomes a sacrificial maiden, slave, a hero, and finally a divine wife. Chapter three analyses the changes and role reversals from chapter two using the approaches outlined in chapter one. Most importantly, it is observed from the analysis that there is correspondence between the importance of a change and how many levels are at work at that point in the narrative.
Description
Keywords
Apuleius, Psyche, Cupid, role reversal, character changes, Venus