10/30/19 Derek Coffey PD1

Derek Coffey Period 1

Aim: How do fairy tales juxtaposed against ancient tales highlight the evolution of language, as well as the classic theme of love conquering all?

Do Now: What does it take to really love someone? (This can be romantic, filial, pets, whatever you love hard.) 

• Love is intertwined with sacrifice, therefore to love someone you must make sacrifices all of kinds
• Love takes commitment, such as a relative you make plans to call once a week
• Love is never easy and fights are inevitable

Groups Work

1. Read “Cinderella”
2. Review the tale of Cupid and Psyche. Compare the literature.
3. Why do these themes seem to transcend time?

     The stories of Cupid and Psyche and Cinderella have similar traits throughout. After Cupid runs away from Psyche, Venus warns her she must endure some challenges to prove she is worthy for her son. Psyche must first sort various types of grain and is aided by ants. Next, she must gather wool from some ferocious sheep and is aided by a reed. Then she must retrieve water from a spring that flows into the Underworld and is again aided by an unusual power. Finally, she must go to the Underworld and get a modicum of beauty from Proserpina. Similarly, Cinderella had to endure all types of trials and pain from her step mother. Her wicked stepmother promises Cinderella 3 times if she picked lentils from the ashes she would be allowed to attend the ball. She is aided by animals and eventually attends in a beautiful dress despite her stepmother.

The modern fairy tale Cinderella obviously took some inspiration from the story of Cupid and Psyche. This is because the themes in both stories transcend time and will forever be relevant. Trust is a central theme in both stories as seen when Venus puts Psyche through trials to prove she is worthy for her son Cupid. In Cinderella, she doesn't love her step mom because she constantly betrays Cinderella’s trust. She is wicked and lies to her about being allowed to attend the ball. Yet the themes of the stories are more relevant today as ever. Trust is the first and most crucial step to loving someone , as love cannot exist where there is no trust.