Xenia

The Cyclopes attitude demonstrates that they socially lack compassion for Odysseus. Odysseus believes that the Cyclopes have no regard for one another and observe no civility. The behavior of the Cyclopes is boisterous and aimless. This is how they exchange communication between one another. It is a sort of shrieking respect. The Cyclopes raises a cry for all to hear (Newton). In today's standard of hospitality, people can be very demanding in their approach to meeting new people. The majority of individuals in society is not necessarily lacking hospitality, but is restrained to provide it as the Cyclopes was to Odysseus and the men. It would seem as though the Cyclopes feels that it needs to be loud and powerful to gain the attention it seeks from Odysseus and the rest of the characters in the Odyssey. This is similar to many individuals in today's society, who feel that they must be lively to get what they want rather than being hospitable and respectful.

In a classical literature analysis, the theme of hospitality is frequent in Homer's book. Throughout his odyssey, Odysseus "continually searched for xenia in many situations" (O'Gorman). The actions of the suitors are another example. Telemachus finds them bad-tempered when they abuse the hospitality provided by the hosts. He states "but if you decide it is more profitable and better to go on, eating up one man's livelihood without payment, then spoil my house" (1, 376-382). The suitors are guests of Telemachus and his mother and they feel to a certain degree that they should act sociable. Homer here is expressing that even if one breaks the particular law of hospitality that, that does not give other visitors or even the hosts the right to act inhospitable. This is similar to today's society where individuals have gatherings and parties and show forth the same hospitality towards everyone there regardless of whether someone at the gathering acts out of the ordinary as the suitors did. 

Naomi Baker in her article, Grace and Favor: Deconstructing Hospitality in the Pilgrim Progress, she writes, "hospitality is a sacred office of humanity. In our common humanity we have no ground for declining hospitality to anyone. Early modern hospitality operates largely at the behest of a host whose power is reinforced by the welcome he extends, or crucially, is free to withhold" (Baker). Telemachus, then could have chosen not to express his irritation with the suitors given they were his guests. While Telemachus was not the host of the gathering, there was a shared responsibility in their actions that happened at the gathering. 

It is important to understand that that The Odyssey happens in very different time from today's society. Civilizations are divided by huge deserted land where both natural and unnatural difficulties are always around. Hospitality is what makes the journeys that the characters take possible. It allows people to rest and get away from their dilemmas, problems and troubles (Pope). Telemachus attempts to make the suitors feel shame when he tells them that they should overextend their hospitality. He knows that they will set themselves right because of their misbehavior at the gathering. It is a matter of ethics and the right thing to do. 

People in society today are like that as well. People value good character and reputation. This is the same for most cultures. It is a sign of leadership and class in spite of cultural differences (Shafer et.al). As a result of Telemachus' shaming of the suitors, one could look at this as hospitality in reverse. Here, Telemachos is using hospitality as a weapon. "Hospitality is thus characterized by paradoxes. Hospitality often simultaneously depends for its existence on [the same things it] decries" (Baker). Telemachus’ shaming of the suitors was typical of how inhospitable behavior was handled in the writings of Homer. Any violations of hospitality brought on wrath. There was to be conformity with the laws of guest/strangers with their hosts in domestic situations. For Homer, hospitality was a way of giving respect and showing honor, and it was also about social status. Any breach of this was a relational violation (O'Gorman). The power of shaming in The Odyssey is very different from the power of shaming today. While there is shaming of individuals in today’s society, it is not to the same extent as Homer wrote it to be in The Odyssey. ] – Add this part following your discussion on Penelope and Telemachus at the dinner in your draft

Another example of hospitality in The Odyssey is when Odysseus stays on the island of Calypso. He is met with outstanding hospitality here. Calypso graced him with much hospitable behavior. This is an example of a guest-host relationship working well. Calypso has a friend that she can take care of with shelter and security. The situation is very beneficial for both Calypso and Odysseus as a result (Melissa et.al). This particular part in The Odyssey is a good reflection of modern hospitality. There are several instances where people have stayed with individuals at their home, and have been met with exceptional hospitality by their hosts. It becomes a sort of win-win situation where both parties benefit because the guest is able to provide some kind of companion or friendship, as well as monetary incentives or other arrangements.

While hospitality is usually wanted, there were certain instances in Homer’s book, where hospitality was in great quantity. One instance was when Telemachus encountered Nestor. Telemachus did not want the welcoming that Nestor gave him. Nestor wanted to entertain Telemachus, and while Telemachus appreciated the hospitality that he was given, he was more concerned with his father's whereabouts rather than Nestor's entertainment. It is here where Homer illustrates the problem of hospitality and how it can often be provided but is simply not wanted. Odysseus also finds himself at the bed of hospitality as he encounters troubles in The Odyssey. Trouble seems to find him at each and every place he turns to. He asks, 'what misery is mine? What mortals must I meet in this new land that I now touch.' The hospitality is unwanted because he questions the motives of the individuals he meets who want to offer it (Melissa et.al).  There are many instances in modern society where hospitality is simply not desired. While it is always appreciated, people sometimes want to be left alone or to deal with their issues on their own without the help of others.

The Odyssey also showed Xenia as a means of displaying how the Gods were perceived and feared. Much like in Norse mythology, The "people of ancient Greek society did not show their hospitality solely out of the goodness of their hearts, but rather did it for the gods. During this time, hospitality was treated as a test from the gods" (Melissa et.al). "Providing hospitality is paying homage to the gods - a worthy and honorable thing to do and failure is condemned in both the human and spiritual worlds" (O'Gouran). In Book XIV, pg.275 Eumaeus states "for it is Zeus who sends to us all beggars and strangers; and a gift, however small, means much when given by a man like me" (15, 275).  Zeus demands hospitality from all living in ancient Greek society. It is a must, almost a demand. Many people in today’s society who show hospitality towards other do so for status purposes. This is not the case for all individuals but there are many who do this. 

Hospitality and its identification are based on meeting the needs of individuals. It is what keeps relationships alive in a sense. Many relationships such as friendships, loving relationships and associations are formed on the basis of hospitality. In Homer's The Odyssey, hospitality was a primary concern because it was considered a value and belief of the ancient society. It was an established principle and an honored tradition. 

Works Cited

Baker, Naomi. "Grace and Favor: Deconstructing Hospitality in the Pilgrim Progress."Seventeenth Century, vol. 27 no. 2, 2012, pp.183-211. Print.

Melissa, Cory B, Joseph Mollie, Bennet Dustin, and Manning J. Schrodt."The Value of Hospitality." Union College, 2013. Web. Accessed 2 May 2013. <http://www1.union.edu/wareht/gkcultur/guide/8/web1.html>.

Newton, Rick M. "Assembly and Hospitality in the Cyclopeia." College Literature, vol. 35 no. 4, 2008, pp.1-44. Print.

O’Gorman, Kevin D. "Modern Hospitality: Lessons from the Past." Australian Voice, vol. 12 no. 2, 2006, pp.141-151. Print.

Pope, Alexander. "The Odyssey of Homer." Online posting. An Electronic Classics Series Publication. The Pennsylvania State University, 2012. Web. Accessed 2 May 2013. <http://www2.hn.psu.edu/faculty/jmanis/a~pope/pope-odyssey.pdf>.

Shafer, Elwood L., Michael Vieregge, and Choi Youngsoo. "Cultural Differences in Perceived Leadership Styles." International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration, vol. 6 no. 3, 2005, pp.65-84. Print.