"The tale of Cupid and Psyches" and "Till we Have Faces": the attainment of self-worth via femininity and masculinity.
Ikusi/ Ireki
Data
2020-12-21Egilea
Portillo Sánchez, Emelyn Gabriela
Laburpena
The Apuleian myth of Cupid and Psyche has long been a source of inspiration in art
and literature. This motivation might be derived either from its spiritual and
philosophical wisdom or from the love of mythology; being the virtuoso work of
Lewis, Till We Have Faces , a composition that introduces all these elements. As a
result of their remarkable complexity, both narratives also offer an insight into the
human psyche, where symbology varies along with the reader’s interpretation.
Consequently, it is the vast interpretative possibilities they offer that incite me to carry
out an analysis focused on the concepts of masculinity and femininity. More
specifically, I aim at examining the source from which feminine and masculine
characters attain a sense of self-worth as well as validity in the traditional culture in
which they live; being both societies based on male prerogatives. For this purpose, I
will concentrate on two major elements, firstly, on the cultural construction of
masculine values based on domination, masculine privileges as well as the devaluing
of feminine attributes; and the representation of women via properties deemed weak
and disposable.
From the obtained conclusion, I might suggest that, on the one hand, epic
masculinities resort to the domination and degradation of femininity as well as of
inferior masculinities in order to legitimise their appropriateness. Secondly, the worth
of femininity stems from fulfilling their role as wives as well as child-bearers
assuming a pliant attitude. Thirdly, the rejection of masculine or feminine values
engenders a wound which incapacitates masculine characters emotionally and
prevents femininity from active development. Therefore, I conclude that authentic
worth stems from embracing both feminine values along with masculine strength;
being this achieved through bridging power and love so as to attain self-acceptance.