THE PSYCHE’S SEVEN SORES

Abstract

This work examines some classical myths in order to illustrate Adler’s main theories on relationships between men and women. The myth of Perseus and Medusa represents the result of the typical fight between men and women provoked by reciprocal wish for power. We analyse Cellini’s odd interpretatin of the myth of Perseus and Andromeda in abas-relief, in which the artist confirms the prevailing of Perseus over the woman, in order to stress the element of the imitation of the paternal model (Zeus towards Danae) which is added by Cellini both in the sculpture of Perseus and Medusa and in his bas-relief. The myth of Jason and Medea represents the supremacy gained by women over men through a series of strategies worked out behind the shield of conventional roles. The myth of Echo and Narcissus expresses the opposite excesses of devotion and egocentricity in which the necessary balance in love relations is lost