Saturday, October 24, 2015

Write a comparison of “Cupid and Psyche” with that of the "The Frog Prince" by the Brothers Grimm.

http://the-toast.net/2015/03/23/childrens-stories-made-horrific-the-frog-prince/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid_and_Psyche

The beginning of Cupid and Psyche introduces Psyche as the most beautiful maiden in all mortal lands, which offends the goddess Venus. The introduction of the Grimm’s tale describes a princess dropping her prized golden ball down a well. The rising action of each story are similar, because both result in punishment. Punishment in the greek tale is due to Psyche’s consummate beauty and in the Grimm’s tale is due to the princess’s golden ball. Psyche’s punishment is not being able to find a husband, even when her less fair sisters find one. The Greek tale implements religious elements, such as Psyche’s parents invoking the muses for answers about their daughter’s curse. 

http://www.johnwilliamwaterhouse.com/pictures/psyche-golden-box-1903/
http://fantasy-faction.com/2014/elements-of-fantasy-frogs
The Frog King and Cupid and Psyche both enforce parental themes. They know what the right thing to do is, and force their daughter into making a decision for the greater good. Psyche’s parents send her up onto the mountain to meet her fate, and the King in the Grimm’s tale forces the princess to entertain the frog. Additionally, the promises or destinies of each character must be fulfilled. In Cupid and Psyche, Psyche must go up onto the mountain because the decree told her to do so. In The Frog King, the princess must become the frog’s companion because she promised to do so.


In both stories actions occurs because of the main character defying before mentioned rules. Psyche is told not to open the box and to deliver it to Venus, but defying the rules brought her happiness and love. Since she opened the box and lay incapacitated, Cupid was able to rescue her and win her a petition of eternal life. In The Frog King, the princess is ordered to sleep with the frog, but instead throws him against the wall. Defying the rules transformed the frog into a handsome prince, resulting in her happiness and love.

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