The Odyssey Literary Analysis Essay
In his epic, The Odyssey, Homer explains how Odysseus, a Greek god, faces xenia, a guest-host relationship, in ways he is not used to. Odysseus travels on a long journey where he meets an unexpected creature and finds himself at the table of King Alcinous telling his tale of this voyage. Odysseus is also faced with problems regarding his wife, Penelope, and finds himself in a sticky situation. Odysseus is challenged by monsters and his own wife but overcomes these challenges to become not only a hero, but the hero everyone can look up to.
Our character, Odysseus, meets with a one-eyed monster named Polyphemous, also known as, Cyclops, and Cyclops does not follow xenia, a guest- host relationship. Homer states,” We Cyclopes care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss; we have more force by far.” (Line 264). Since Cyclops does not care for Zeus, then he obviously odes not care for the rule of xenia. Considering Cyclops does not care for xenia, he is therefore, offending Zeus. Homer also acknowledges, when Cyclops ate Odysseus’ men, he clearly does not respect them. (Line 286). On account of Cyclops not showing respect, Odysseus and his men do not have to show respect back. When Cyclops does not show any respect, he is letting them know, no matter what they do or say, he will not change his mind about letting them go. Although Cyclops is big and scary, Odysseus and his men trick him into letting them escape.
Odysseus is now at the table of King Alcinous and is explaining to them his adventures and xenia while they are all about to show it. According to Homer, “They had to be treated with great courtesy before they could be asked to identify themselves and state their business.” (Page 656 from books 6-8). This means, before they even introduce themselves, they are treated with respect. This is not the greatest idea because the guest could be out to get you for all you know and you would not...