| This dissertation examines the relationship between Apulieus' fable and the movement toward religious syncretism which was very active in the first two centuries of the Christian era.;Especially relevant to the activity were the many syncretic relationships involving the goddess Isis and the Roman goddesses. The story is explained in terms of these relationships some of which had already crystallized and some which were still in flux. Psyche is shown to be an incarnation of the goddess Isis, who was attempting to form a syncretic relationship with Venus who, in the story, is resisting her enemy with all of her wiles. She is particularly determined to prevent her son, Cupid, from marrying Psyche-Isis.;"Cupid and Psyche" is treated as a multi-level allegory, with the identity of Psyche being proved by means of analogy, which is the mode of argument employed by allegory. Multi-level allegory is discussed and explained by means of two other examples of ancient allegory, one from Homer and a second from Catullus. |
