Look at the following commentary on "Cupid and Psyche" from Bulfinch's Mythology. The fable of Cupid and Psyche is usually considered allegorical. The Greek name for a butterfly is Psyche, and the same word means the soul. There is no illustration of the immortality of the soul so striking and beautiful as the butterfly, bursting on brilliant wings from the tomb in which it has lain, after a dull, groveling caterpillar existence, to flutter in the blaze of day and feed on the most fragrant and delicate productions of the spring. Psyche, then, is the human soul, which is purified by sufferings and misfortunes, and is thus prepared for the enjoyment of true and pure happiness.
In your journal, reflect on Bulfinch's analysis of the story's theme. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis? Why or why not? What new questions does this analysis of "Cupid and Psyche" bring to mind? Can you answer them? If not, does it matter? Explain.