William Morris, The earthly paradise, 1868-70

William Morris (1834-1896) was a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, designer and author, as well as a social reformer.  His long epic The Earthly Paradise (1868-1870) combines Morris’ two favourite periods in history in a retelling of twenty-four tales, two for each month of the year; twelve from classical sources; the other twelve from medieval Latin, French and Icelandic originals. Like Boccaccio (Decameron) and Chaucer (Canterbury Tales), both of which are specific models for the poem, Morris uses a frame story where strangers meet and tell each other stories.  Morris’ mediaeval Norse Wanderers flee the plague and after many years of travels encounter some city Elders who still live according to ancient Greek customs. They settle and both communities exchange stories twice a month. Cupid and Psyche is the Classical story for May. It follows Apuleius’ plot quite closely, but differences are obvious, too. Morris’ version is more sentimental. For instance, especially the portrait of Psyche is made more palatable than Apuleius’ heroine. Morris’ Psyche is less vengeful and more gentle than her Apuleian ancestor, who, for example, successfully plots revenge on her sisters for inducing her to reveal her unknown husband’s identity.

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