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. Although the myth is based on ancient Greek, Ovid, during Augustus' reign, recorded it in Ancient Rome.
Ovid's story of the myth
Ovid's retelling of the tale of Arachne is a poetic allegory of censorship and artistic talent. Arachne's story shows how the Roman government suppressed and censored the arts. Ovid himself was an exiled writer, and his tapestry might reflect his frustration at being blocked from reaching a wider audience.
Ovid's parallels of arachne
Ovid, a Roman poet who wrote the story of Arachne around the turn of the century AD, created it. It is part the Metamorphoses Collection, which contains old stories of magical transformation. Ovid may have adapted earlier stories, but the story shows his unique perspective. Ovid may also have included elements of his own personality within the story. Arachne is a young Lydian woman whose father was a talented dyer. He also created purple cloth and yarn, and made beautiful tapestries with the rich fleece.
Athena's reactions to arachne’s tapestry
Athena's reaction on Arachne’s tapestry was to punish her. Arachne was filled with guilt when she rented her tapestry from the Mygdonia goddess. She fled the contest as well as the workshop.
Minerva's response to arachne's tapestry
Minerva's response to Arachne’s tapestry is powerful symbol for divine exploitation. The tapestry displays a series of crimes committed by the gods to human beings. Minerva gets upset and tears apart the tapestry Arachne made to hang herself. Arachne is struck with her shuttle, a wooden tool that held a spool. The tapestry is destroyed and Arachne becomes a spider.
Athena's response to arachne's 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 depicted with her shield and spear in an armored outfit. Twelve Olympian gods surround her, including Zeus. Athena's beauty is being admired by Zeus.
Ovid's critique of arachne’s tapestry
Ovid describes Arachne’s 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.