Theme Of Hospitality In Homer's Odyssey

Homer’s emphasis of good hospitality is visible throughout the entire book, but it is most clearly seen In Phaeacia. “Hearing that, Alcinous, poised in all his majesty, took the hand of the seasoned, worldly-wise Odysseus raised him up and sat him down in a burnished chair, displacing his own son…” (Odyssey Book 7, Pg: 185, Line 190-205). Alcinous, clearly the good host, has given up his son’s seat for an unknown stranger, thus fulfilling the codes of hospitality. This shows that hospitality or a host- to- guest relationship was more important than a father-to-son relationship in ancient Greece. This quote also proves hospitality’s significance in Greek society. By accordingly following the rules of hospitality, Alcinous’s is characterized as a man who follows these rules of society, In other words, Homer is describing Alcinous as a civilized man. Generous hospitality in general seems to lead directly to a civilized character, “And about your convoy home, you rest assured: I have chosen the day and I decree it is tomorrow” (Odyssey Book 7, Pg: 189, Line 360-370). Alcinous is showing further hospitality by offering Odysseus the guest gift of a voyage home. Alcinous’s empathetic gift further shows that he is a good host and, thus, a civilized man. Alcinous also showers Odysseus with gifts and even lets him sleep in one of his loyal beds after
(Biggs, Cory, et al.). From “the Odyssey,” it is evident threat uncivilized, or inhospitable, people are maltreated, while those who are hospitable, and thus civilized, are appreciated and respected. This concept creates a two-tier hierarchy with hospitable, civilized people on the top and their inhospitable, uncivilized counterparts on the bottom. Thus, this idea of hospitality and its rules breaks up people into the two groups produced by society: civilized and uncivilized. This hierarchy is what organizes Greek society and influences the way one person may treat the