There are many interpretations of the myth of Arachne, but it is essentially about the struggle between an oppressive authority and a rebel. While the myth is ancient Greek, the most earliest account comes from Ancient Rome, where it was recorded by Ovid during the reign of Augustus.
Ovid's telling of the myth
Ovid's retelling the story of Arachne in poetic form is a metaphor of artistic talent as well as censorship. Arachne's story illustrates how the Roman government suppressed art and censored it. Ovid was an exiled poet. His tapestry story could be a reflection of his frustration at not being able reach a larger audience.
Ovid's parallels to arachne
Ovid, a Roman poet who wrote the story of Arachne around the turn of the century AD, created it. It is part of the Metamorphoses collection, which compiles old stories about magical transformation. The story may seem like an imitation of other forms, but it is unique in Ovid's perspective. Ovid may also have included elements of his own personality within the story. In the poem, Arachne is a young Lydian girl whose father was a skilled dyer. He created purple cloth and wool, and made beautiful tapestries out of the rich fleece.
Athena's reaction at arachne s tapestry
Athena's reaction at Arachne stealing her tapestry was to punish Arachne. Arachne rented her tapestry, and Athena put her hand on Arachne's forehead, causing her to feel guilty. She fled the contest as well as the workshop.
Minerva's response in kind to arachne’s tapestry
Minerva's response in kind to Arachne’s tapestry was a powerful symbol for divine exploitation. The tapestry shows a series sins perpetrated by gods against human beings. Minerva is upset and tears the tapestry that Arachne had created in an attempt to hang herself. Arachne is then struck by Minerva's shuttle, a wooden device that holds a spool. The tapestry is destroyed and Arachne becomes a spider.
Athena's response for arachne on tapestry
Arachne and Athena respond to Arachne in the ancient Greek mythology. This tapestry is why Athens is named after her. It was woven using the finest blades of grass, and depicts scenes of the gods and their powers. Athena was shown in armor, with a spear and shield. Zeus and twelve Olympian gods surround her. Athena's beauty is being admired by Zeus.
Ovid's critique of arachne’s tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne’s weaving process in The Metamorphoses. Ovid provides a great description of this weaving, which Ovid considers beautiful art. Ovid seems dissatisfied with the Roman government for trying and censor the artwork. This could be a symptom of his disapproval of Augustus' tactics.