Week 2 Essay: The Power of Love

This week I read the story about Cupid and Psyche. I did not know anything about the background of the story before reading, so it was kind of fun to enter into it blind. I was surprised to discover that this story, like many other, dealt with the idea of forbidden love. Cupid was fully aware that his marriage to Psyche would be entirely against his mother’s wishes, but he chose to trust Psyche not to uncover his identity so that he could keep her as his. Just like most other forbidden love stories, this one also ended with the couple’s love being exposed and – in this particular case – literally tested. It is very interesting how easily love can be torn apart in life and yet it seems to always have a way of coming back together in the end. Even when Psyche had once again let her human nature get in the way of being with Cupid by opening the box Venus sent her to obtain, Cupid chose to forgive her faults and take her back into his arms. Whereas the young woman and her betrothed in the beginning of the story were separated by an external force, Cupid and Psyche were separated by Psyche's doubt and curiosity. There are so many factors that can play a role in ending a relationship, both stories and life, that it is inspiring to see an elderly couple walking down the street after fifty-plus years together. Sometimes love is challenged and strained from society and other obligations. Self-doubt, curiosity, envy, and anger all certainly contribute to the darker side of human nature. Also, work commitments and the stress of making it through the daily struggles of everyday life, can have a huge impact on your relationship, but when love can overcome all of those negative aspects, it is a pretty spectacular thing.

(Cupid and Psyche, Web source: Wikipedia)