La lumière et ses contrastes dans l'Asinus aureus d'Apulée

Details

Supervisors

Kachuck Aaron

Faculty

Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres

Degree label

Master [120] en langues et lettres anciennes et modernes, à finalité spécialisée: sciences et métiers du livre

Abstract

enThe omnipresence of light in Apuleius’ Asinus aureus¸ starting with its title, reveals a real symbolic and structural richness of the work. Many scholars have studied this subject and concluded that light symbolized many concepts that can be traced back to Platonist philosophy. While we do not reject this hypothesis, we believe that it involves a much larger meaning. Indeed, we estimate that light serves as a structure to the story in its complexity and its narrative layers. Through objects, people, gods, and places which it exudes, light also serves as a temporal beacon, showing instants, and even the suspension of time in the tale of Cupid and Psyche. Moreover, it serves as a central milestone in the plot, highlighting its importance. However, light is also present in the form of a common thread in underlining the presence and evolution of Platonist concepts. On all levels, light serves as a framework for the story, while putting forward the Platonist quest of knowledge, beauty and divine communion.