Question

assessment questions
question 4
what does the following line reveal about arachne? she would not acknowledge herself as a debtor, even to that goddess who protected all household arts, and by whose grace alone one had any skill in them.
a. arachne believes her talent is of her own merit, and not due to the gods.
b. arachne resents athena because athena did not teach her how to weave.
c. arachne resents athena because athena does not recognize arachne’s skill.
d. arachne lies about how she learned to weave in order to appear more talented.
(text from the story: there was a certain maiden of lydia, arachne by name, renowned throughout the country for her skill as a weaver. she was as nimble with her fingers as calypso, that nymph who kept ulysses for seven years in her enchanted island. she was as untiring as penelope, the heros wife, who wove day after day while she watched for his return. day in and day out, arachne wove. the nymphs would gather about her loom, spirits from the water and trees. “maiden,” they would say, shaking the leaves or the foam from their hair in wonder, “athena must have taught you to spin such thread!” but this did not please arachne. she would not acknowledge herself as a debtor, even to that goddess who protected all household arts, and by whose grace alone one had any skill in them. “i learned not of athena,” she said. “if she can weave better, let her come and try.” the nymphs shivered at this, and an aged woman, who was looking on, turned to arachne. “be more prudent with your words, my daughter,” the elder woman said. “the goddess may pardon you if you ask forgiveness, but do not strive for honors with the immortals.” arachne broke her thread, and the shuttle stopped. “keep your counsel,” she said. “i fear not athena; no, nor anyone else.” as she frowned at the old woman, she was amazed to see the old woman change suddenly into a tall, majestic, beautiful maiden with gray eyes and golden hair, crowned with a golden helmet. it was athena herself.)

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the quote "She would not acknowledge herself as a debtor, even to that goddess who protected all household arts, and by whose grace alone one had any skill in them." Option A says Arachne believes her talent is her own merit, not due to the gods. This matches the quote as she doesn't acknowledge owing Athena (the goddess) for her skill. Option B is wrong as there's no info she resents Athena for not teaching. Option C: the text doesn't show Athena resents her skill, just Arachne's pride. Option D: the quote is about not acknowledging debt to the goddess, not lying about learning. So A is correct.

Answer:

A. Arachne believes her talent is of her own merit, and not due to the gods.