The Conformity Of Hospitality In Homer's The Odyssey

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In the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer illustrates that one 's nobility is determined by one 's capacity to maintain the traditions of hospitality. Odysseus has left his home of Ithaca, and has not been able return home for decades due to the Trojan War. Since he left for war, he was compelled to leave his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, behind. Numerous suitors attempt to claim Penelope, as they want to obtain the vacant throne, but Penelope remains loyal and declines their engagement. Instead of leaving, the suitors stay in Odysseus’ residence and are distinctly unlawful and unstable. Since conformity to the laws of hospitality determines how dignified one is, one must always provide adequate hospitality to visitors, and in turn, the visitors cannot take advantage of the host. Homer shows this theme through the hospitable actions of Menelaus and Telemachus and contrasts the …show more content…

When Telemachus asks to leave Sparta, Menelaus replies that “it is equally bad when one speeds on the great unwilling/ to go, and when he holds back one who is hastening…/ Yet stay until I can bring you fine gifts…/ while I tell the women/ to prepare a dinner” (XV. 72-77). Menelaus acts excessively friendly, and to some degree, deceptive; he wants Telemachos to stay, but he talks about how a host ought to not anchor a guest in the host 's home. Despite this, Menelaus wishes to give his guest whatever he wants but he also feels he is unworthy host in the event that he allows Telemachus to leave without an appropriate valediction. Menelaus ' point of view of friendliness recommend that it is difficult for a decent Greek to be a legitimate host, as one must attempt to see the world through the eyes of the visitor(s); in the meantime, the host must shun turning out to be excessively accommodating. In addition, when Theoklymenos asks Telemachus where he ought to remain in Ithaca, Telemachus answers, “Were things otherwise, indeed I would urge you

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