Apollo and Daphne

Apollo and Daphne

The main cultural value that the story of Apollo and Daphne seems to convey is the idea of marriage and children. I believe that society is very driven to find love, get married, and have children. Some people are quite desperate. I believe that marriage is one of the largest norms that society follows. People often feel pressured to follow this cultural norm. Society often frowns upon people who do not desire to ever marry, or have children.

The story begins with Apollo and Daphne each being shot with an arrow by Cupid; Apollo with the "piercing point of gold arrow," and Daphne with the dull arrow made of lead. This sends Apollo on his journey to find his one true love- Daphne, who is only interested in becoming like the virgin goddess Diana. She is wooed by many men, but she is not interested in love.

Daphne's father, Peneus, is very driven for her to give him a son-in-law. He believes that it is "his due" to have grandchildren. (479) Daphne is against marriage. " She hated like a crime the bond of wedlock." (481) She begged her father to remain a virgin, but he looked down upon her. He demanded that she marry.

Apollo continued to chase Daphne. He was not willing to give up on his "bride." She knew he would eventually catch her. She could feel him "breathing close." (542) She called to her father for help. "Help, father, help! If mystic power dwells in your waters, change me, and destroy my baleful beauty that has pleased too well." (540)Daphne turned into a tree, "and still Apollo loved her." (551)