There are many interpretations of the myth of Arachne, but it is essentially about the struggle between an oppressive authority and a rebel. The myth of Arachne is ancient Greek. However, Ovid recorded it during Augustus' reign in Ancient Rome.
Ovid's version of the myth
Ovid's telling of Arachne's story is a poetic metaphor for artistic talent and censorship. Arachne's story is an example of how the arts were suppressed and censored by the Roman government. Ovid himself was an exiled writer, and his tapestry might reflect his frustration at being blocked from reaching a wider audience.
Ovid's analogies with arachne
Ovid, a Roman poet who wrote the story of Arachne around the turn of the century AD, created it. It is part a collection called Metamorphoses that compiles stories of magical transformation. Although the story is a copy of older forms, it still shows Ovid's unique perspective. Ovid may have included aspects of his personality in 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 reacts to arachne tapestry
Athena's reaction at Arachne stealing her tapestry was to punish Arachne. Arachne was devastated when Athena rented her tapestry. She fled the contest as well as the workshop.
Minerva's response in kind to arachne’s tapestry
Minerva's response to Arachne’s tapestry is powerful symbol for divine exploitation. The tapestry depicts the evils done by gods against humanity. Minerva becomes upset, and tears down Arachne's tapestry in an effort to hang her. She then strikes Arachne with her shuttle (a wooden device used to hold a spool of thread). The tapestry is destroyed and Arachne becomes a spider.
Athena's response to arachne's tapestry
Arachne was the tapestry's recipient in the ancient Greek mythology. Athena's reply to Arachne shows that Athens was named following her. It was woven from the finest grasses, and depicts the gods with their powers. Athena was shown in armor, with a spear and shield. Zeus, one of twelve Olympian gods, surrounds her. Zeus is in the center, admiring Athena.
Ovid's criticisms 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 Ovid's disapproval of Augustus’ tactics.