There are many interpretations for the myth of Arachne. However, its essence is that it describes the struggle between an oppressive ruler and a rebel. The myth of Arachne is ancient Greek. However, Ovid recorded it during Augustus' reign in Ancient Rome.
Ovid's story of the myth
Ovid's poetic allegory about censorship, artistic talent, and Arachne's tale is Ovid’s. The story of Arachne is a good example of how the Roman government suppressed the arts and censored them. Ovid himself was an exiled poet, and the story of his tapestry could reflect his own frustration at being prevented from reaching a wider audience.
Ovid's analogies with arachne
Ovid, a Roman poet wrote the story about Arachne in the first Century AD. It is part the Metamorphoses Collection, which contains old stories of magical transformation. Although the story is a copy of older forms, it still shows Ovid's unique perspective. Ovid may have incorporated aspects of his own personality into the story. Arachne, a young Lydian girl, is the subject of the poem. Her father was a skilled dyer. He created purple cloth and wool, and made beautiful tapestries out of the rich fleece.
Athena's reaction on arachne’s tapestry
Athena's reaction at Arachne stealing her tapestry was to punish Arachne. Arachne was devastated when Athena rented her tapestry. In the end, she fled from the contest and the workshop.
Minerva's reply to arachne’s tapestry
Minerva's reaction to Arachne’s tapestry represents powerful symbols of divine exploitation. The tapestry shows a series sins perpetrated by gods against human beings. Minerva becomes upset and tears down the tapestry, which Arachne had made in an attempt to hang herself. She then strikes Arachne with her shuttle (a wooden device used to hold a spool of thread). Arachne turns into a Spider after the tapestry collapses.
Athena's response to arachne's tapestry
Arachne's tapestry was Arachne's response in ancient Greek mythology. Athena named Athens after her. It was woven from the finest grasses, and depicts the gods with their powers. Athena herself was depicted as a warrior wearing an armor with spear and shield. Zeus and twelve Olympian gods surround her. Athena is admired by Zeus, who is in the middle.
Ovid's criticism of arachne’s tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne weaving in the Metamorphoses. Ovid gives a detailed description of the weaving, which was beautiful art. Ovid seems dissatisfied with the Roman government for trying and censor the artwork. This could be a sign that Ovid is disapproving of Augustus’s tactics.