Question

What does the old woman's advice suggest about the theme, central idea, of the myth? The story is Arachne, How a Goddess and a normal human being fights in a race

Answer 1

Answer:

The old woman in the story "Arachne" is goddess Athena. She disguise herself and advice Arachne, who had become proud of her weaving that she thinks she is better than the Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom and craft.

Explanation:

The old lady approaches Arachne and say,

"You can never compare to any of the gods. Plead for forgiveness and Athena might spare your soul."

But Arachne who had become boastwful of her weaving says to the old lady,

"Ha! I only speak the truth and if Athena thinks otherwise then let her come down and challenge me herself,"

The advice that the old lady gave to Arachne foreshadows of what was about to happen to her. Arachne will be doomed.  She is cursed and become a spider.

Answer 2

Well the old woman foreshadows how Arachne will defy the gods just like she defied the old woman. This reveals the theme is good things will never come from gabbing hubris