Question

What is the most accurate summary of "Minerva and

Arachne"?
A.When Arachne weaves, forest nymphs show up to
watch. One day, a nymph is watching Arachne weave
and says,
"You must have learned from Minerva." Arachne
becomes angry
with the nymph. All of the nymphs gasp in shock when
Arachne screams that she has
taught herself to weave.
B.Arachne boasts that she is a better weaver than the
Roman goddess Minerva. Minerva dresses as an old
woman, intent on scolding Arachne for being so
disrespectful to a goddess. Realizing Arachne is,
indeed, a superior weaver, the furious Minerva turns
the girl into the first spider.
C.Arachne is an excellent weaver. To trick her,
Minerva comes to Arachne by walking with a cane.
When she and Minerva have a weaving contest, they
sit facing each other. Minerva weaves scenes of gods
and goddesses. Then, she rips Arachne's cloth.
Arachne becomes a spider for all eternity.
Arachne thinks that she weaves better than the
Roman goddess Minerva. Arachne and
Minerva weave to see who is more skilled! When
Minerva sees that Arachne's skills are
greater, she angrily turns Arachne into a spider.
Arachne is very foolish to disrespect or challenge a
powerful goddess.

Answer 1

In Greek myth, Minerva represents wisdom and warfare, demanding respect from mortals. The transformation of Medusa for her hubris is an example of the consequences of disrespecting gods. It's unwise for mortals like Arachne to challenge deities, which is evident in Minerva's stories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mythological tale of Minerva (Athena) teaches a lesson on hubris and respect for the divine. A common thread in the summaries given is the assertion of the gods' superiority over humans and the repercussions of challenging this authority. For example, Medusa's transformation into a gorgon by Athena after a comparison of beauty is a result of hubris. Similarly, the stories where Minerva is represented in various arts or mythological battles reiterate her power and the folly of underestimating the gods.

The reference to Minerva being guarded by Terror and Fear in one narrative exemplifies how the goddess symbolizes both wisdom and warfare, underlining the respect that she commands. In contrast, Minerva's transformation of Medusa after being compared to the goddess stresses the idea that mortals should not equate themselves with deities.

The depiction of Minerva in the provided texts is intended as a representation of her power, wisdom, and her capacity for violence against those who displease her. Arachne’s foolishness lies in not recognizing the inherent risk in challenging a powerful deity like Minerva, which is a grave mistake in the context of Greek mythology.

Answer 2

Arachne creates a flawless portrait of gods raping and deceiving humans. Minerva is so enraged by Arachne's skill that she begins to beat her. Unable to endure such treatment, Arachne hangs herself, and Minerva transforms her into a spider. When they hear of Arachne's fate, people know they should revere the gods.