Friday, February 20, 2009

The Guest-Host Relationship

Which characteres in the Odyssey act as a perfect example of the guest-host relationship and how?
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33 comments:

  1. Riley SmallFebruary 21, 2009 at 6:17 AM

    In my opinion Odysseus has a very good example of a guest. He refused to play in the games that Broadsea told him to play in. Odysseus knew he would be able to beat Broadsea, but Broadsea insisted that Odysseus should play. Odysseus did not want to violate the guest - host relationship by showing his talents and beating his host, but by the way the book describes, Odysseus had no choice. Broadsea was the real violator though, all Odysseus was trying to do was protecting his relationship with Broadsea. Broadsea on the other hand stepped out of his boundaries and called Odysseus names, he taunted him. Odysseus though, being the good guest he is eventually agreed to being in the games. Through all of the taunting and all of the stinging remarks that Broadsea had made against Odysseus, Odysseus still beat Broadsea in the games. Odysseus beat Broadsea by so much that it was hardly a competition at all. If Broadsea wouldn't have outstepped his boundaries as a host he would have not been embarrassed in front of the entire city of people watching the games. This shows the fact that good guests are respectful until pushed to the limit, but at that limit, the host is inevitably doomed to destruction; well, that or some other kind of embarrassment. I believe that in this situation Odysseus is the best host, but in later times in the book (ex. while at Circe's palace) Odysseus does not show the same respect or thoughtfulness that he showed while at Broadsea's place of living.

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  2. *Melodi Gray-Junebug*Alot of Things But Normal HeheFebruary 21, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    To a certain extent I agree with the previous comment. Excluding how he behaved in Polyphemus' cave, Odysseus at most times is a well behaved guest, not trying to outdo his host,but I believe that the best guest throughout the story is Athena. She visits all of these people and never has to threaten the people that she wants to get to do something. Granite she knows how to get her way, she is a goddess, but she does it respectfully. For example when she visits Telemachus she doesnt cut him off and interrupt his hospitality or destroy his home.
    I believe the best host we have seen in the book is Telemachus. He shows hospitality because he believes that is a value and just should be done.The difference between Telemachus and other hosts we have read about is that Telemachus isn't showing hospitality to better himself, he does it just because(if anyone wants me to elaborate, mention that). Even when Athena started giving him orders he didnt kick her out or disrespect her for coming into his home and ordering him around.
    Telemachus and Athena together are the perfect example of the guest-host relationship.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 9:02 AM

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    I believe that Telemachus acts as a perfect example of the guest in the guest-host relationship. On both of the visits to see his father’s friends, Menelaus and Nestor, he is very polite and respectful. In both visits, he arrives during a feast. Telemachus accepts the food they offer him from their feast and is very thankful for it. Because he does not want to waste too much of their time, Telemachus gets right to the point and asks his hosts about his father. The stories his hosts tell him are more about what happened during the war, which is important for Telemachus to hear, and not about what happened to his father. Although Telemachus is not getting the information he wanted he is still being very respectful and listening politely to their long and probably somewhat exaggerated stories. After the story telling is over Telemachus does not want to impose on his host so he says he is going to sleep in his boat. The hosts insist on him sleeping inside, but it was still very gracious of him to not impose on his host. As he is leaving both hosts houses he is extremely thankful for their information, even though most of it was not relevant, and then he is on his way.
    I believe that Telemachus also acts as a perfect example of the host in the guest-host relationship. The only time we see Telemachus acting as a host is when Athena comes to his house disguised as a human. Telemachus is in a daze and does not notice her at first. He feels very bad, so he tries to be extra polite and make up for it. He escorts her into his house and seated her in the chair of honor with a foot rest and took a much lower chair for himself. He then made sure Athena was served the best food. Over dinner Telemachus introduced himself and then asked about Athena’s story.
    All in all Telemachus, the youngest character in the book, acts the most respectfully and politely as a guest and as a host.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    In the Odyssey, there is this very common theme of hospitality, and that it shows character and the type of person you are. I definitely agree with all the comments above, regarding Telemachus. He is a great host, putting up with the suitors in his house and welcoming Athena with open arms. He definitely exhibits good character and respect in the aspect of hospitality. On a separate note, I think that Odysseus is sometimes a good guest. I wouldn't describe him as the perfect one, because he is kind of rude and arrogant. He likes to talk about himself, but he is often respectful to the places he visits. I, however, would not call Odysseus a perfect example because of how he behaved in Polymephus's cave. He was rude in going and steeling the Cyclop's cheese and lounging out in his cave. I thought that was a poor example of being a good guest.

    I find it interesting that no one above has mentioned Calypso and her hospitality towards Odysseus. Technically, she did not bind Odysseus to stay with her. But the way she treated him, was with luxury and love, food, and a room. I think that in a way, she exhibits the best example of the host relationship if you look at the way she treated Odysseus. When Hermes goes to her and questions her about Odysseus, she says, “’There, all the rest of his loyal shipmates died, but the wind drove him on, the current bore him here. And I welcomed him warmly, cherished him.’" (156). In this excerpt, she shows her hospitality for Odysseus and that she took him in and fixed him a warm place to stay. She gave him everything of hers.

    Another great example I think of the guest-host relationship is when Odysseus goes to Alcinous' palace. On page 190, is a good example of Alcionous and his wife's hospitality towards Odysseus. "And now the two men exchanged their hopes, the white-armed queen instructed her palace maids to make a bed in the porch's shelter, lay down some heavy purple throws for the bed itself, and over it spread some blankets, thick woolly robes, a warm covering laid on top. Torches in hand, they left the hall and fell to work at once, briskly prepared a good snug resting-place and then returned to Odysseus, urged the guest, 'Up friend, time for sleep. Your bed is made'". This shows how, before not knowing anything about Odysseus, not even his name, they took him in and gave him a fine place to stay and all the luxuries of being at home. Farther down, they describe it as "Odysseus lay at rest on a corded bed inside the echoing colonade". I think that this example of Alcinous and his family's hospitality towards Odysseus is a perfect scenario of a guest-host relationship.

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  6. Jordan BFebruary 21, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    I think that Calypso has been a good host to Odysseus and he has been a respectful guest. She has been a good host because she did not make Odysseus stay on the island with her and she never made him do anything he was unwilling to do. She provided a place for him to stay and food for him to eat and took care of him very well. Odysseus was a good guest to her because he accepted the things she provided him. He did not try to run away from her or try to stop her from doing something. When Hermes came to her and said that she must give up Odysseus, as a good host she did so and provided him with supplies from her island to make his ship.

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  7. Claire HobsonFebruary 21, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    The guest host relationship is based on the concept of welcoming someone into a home without asking question. Then, after they feed and make the person comfortable, they ask a question. This is based on the belief that Zeus will send a messenger into a home because---. This relationship also is a great sign of character for if someone is a good host, then they are a good person. If they are a bad host, then they have bad character and bad things will probably happen to them. There are two great examples of the guest host relationship in the Odyssey: Telemachus with Athena and the Phaeacians welcoming Odysseus. Telemachus demonstrates this relationship when Athena comes, because he welcomes her into the palace, feeds her and then he asks questions about why he is there. In contrast, the suitors do not welcome her, showing their bad character and that bad things will happen to them. Another great example is the Phaeacians welcoming Odysseus. They give him a boat, crew and have a feast for him and then only ask questions when Odysseus starts to cry for the second time. Whereas an example of a bad guest host relationship is when Polyphemus does not welcome Odysseus and his men, showing that he has bad character and that misfortune would befall him. He got blinded by Odysseus and his men.

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    In the Odyssey, the relationship between the guest and the host must be a good one. The host must treat the guest with respect and nourish them with goods. They must be treated with the highest honors and quality, for one does not know why the guest is there - Zeus could have sent him or her. And, if a God had sent the guest, the guest must have some sort of importance.

    I agree with Colleen when she said that Calypso was a perfect example of a host. Although Odysseus wanted more than anything to visit his homeland, he still was treated as a guest in the greatest sense; He was given food, clothing, and love. Not once was he treated disrespectfully, or deprived of his needs.

    Another key guest host relationship in the book is that between Athena and Telemachus. Athena visits Telemachus to tell him news of his father, however she is in disguise and Telemachus does not know of her true identity of a Goddess. Knowing that she is a guest, he feeds her a large, delicious dinner, and they enjoy themselves before they ask questions (eat first, questions later). This is so the guest feels welcome and comfortable before they discuss reasons for coming. She is treated with respect and curtsy, and she gives the same respect to Telemachus.

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  9. Max SegalFebruary 21, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    In the Odyssey, the guest host relationship is very interesting and is part of an overarching theme in this book. There are several good examples of this with Athena and Telemachus, and Calypso and Odysseus. In every single relationship, there is a certain concept of hospitality that the host must always follow. The host must always provide shelter, food, and protection for the guest before asking any questions.

    Often, hospitality can show the true character of a person. In the relationship between Calypso and Odysseus, Calypso shows a perfect example of a host because she provides him with food, a place to live, clothing, and most importantly love and companionship. This same theme is shown in the relationship between Telemachus and Athena. Athena is in disguise when she comes to the home of Telemachus and instantly he provides her with a giant feast. All of these people are perfect examples that the theme of hospitality is extremely vital to the relationships in this book.

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  10. Greg "squabbles" FoleyFebruary 21, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    Much like in the tenakh, guest-host relationships in the Odyssey can be helpful introductions to characters' personalities. Almost all of the main characters in the epic, including Odysseus, telemachus, Calypso, Polyphemus and Athena are guests or hosts at one point in the book. The first guest-host relationship in the story is between Calypso and Odysseus. Calypso is holding Odysseus "captive" on her island, in an attempt to marry Odysseus. while this situation appears to be a terrible plight for Odysseus, he is usually seen wandering on the island, free to do as he wishes. Eventually, Calypso helps Odysseus build a ship to leave the island, and wishes him well on his journey. This relationship shows that while Calypso appears good at heart, she can become dark in order to gain what she pleases. We can also gain from this relationship that Odyssues sees himself as a suffering hero, and likes to feel sorry for himself. Despite his "weeping on rocks" on Calypso's island, he is able to build a ship within a day to leave the island, something he apparantely hasn't been able to do for the past seven years, as well as sleep his Calypso, who he has been "resisting". This trait of Odysseus shines through again when his is a guest on Polyphemus' island. He gets angry at Polyphemus for eating his men, when in fact he has brought this upon them by stealing Polyphemus' goats and cheese. After leaving the island he feels sorry for himself because Poseidon is creating terrible storms for him when in fact he brought this upon himself by blinding polyphemus.

    Odysseus is a prime example of how guest-host relationship can show a characters' true colors.

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  11. Morgan CoharaFebruary 22, 2009 at 7:39 AM

    Within the Odyssey I think that Athena and Telemachus were a good example of the guest host relationship. When Athena went to visit Telemachus, disguised as Mentes, Telemachus did not question her, asking who she was or what she had come for. Conversely, Telemachus welcomes Athena with open arms, feeds her, and allows her to rest before asking questions. This hospitality allows Athena to feel more comforted and welcome in the strangers house, and not a trespasser being bombarded with reasons for her being there. Telemachus, having presented this sort of hospitality reveals what kind of person he is, which seems to be a kind and trusting person. This is opposite of Odysseus and Polyphemus because Polyphemus starts eating Odysseus's men before he finds out who they are. This shows what a great example of the guest-host relationship that Athena and Telemachus present compared to others.

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  12. Sonia FeldmanFebruary 22, 2009 at 9:34 AM

    Although there are many examples of the guest host relationship in the Odyssey, I think the more interesting side of hospitality is not in fact who is and is not hospitable or a good guest, but how Homer uses hospitality as a measure of character.
    The merit of a character can easily be measured by how he plays the role of guest or host. For instance, the suitors, clearly the sleaziest, least grateful, squatters, can be recognized as harmful by simply examining their actions as guests. They are clearly over staying their welcome, remaining in Odysseus's home far longer then is right, eating his food, drinking his wine, and seducing his wife. They are rude to the bard who is working to entertain them, and they ignore the presence of Athena.
    Just as hospitality can be a tell tale sign of suspect character, it can also be a testament to the goodly nature of person. When the suitors ignored Athena waiting to be let in, Telemachus upon seeing her took immediate action and showed her into his home. He gave her food and drink, the best he could offer, in abundance without so much as asking who she was, or where she came from until after she was filled and had been entertained. Also, even though the suitors were quite obviously inconsiderate moochers, Telemachus dutifully played the part of a gracious host, keeping them well fed and entertained in his home. Telemachus' respectful actions speak greatly to his decency.

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  13. Gavin H BuckFebruary 22, 2009 at 11:08 AM

    In order to fully analyze the guest/host relationship, we must consider both the followers and violators of this ancient Greek tradition. Three of the most stalwart believers of the guest/host relationship are powerful, mortal kings: King Nestor, King Menelaus, and King Alcinous. On the other hand, some of the biggest violators of the guest/host relationship are powerful beings with divine origin: Calypso, Polyphemus, and Circe. From this comparison, one can conclude that powerful mortals are ideal hosts while powerful, divine beings, are far from ideal.

    Prince Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, received warm welcomes from both King Nestor and King Menelaus in his search for news of his long-lost father. While neither king had sufficient news of his father, they both contributed what little they knew about Odysseus’ passage. Also, they sent him off with lavish gifts to remind him of their hospitality. In addition, King Alcinous was the ideal host to Odysseus, giving him shelter, clothes, food, and not asking Odysseus’ name until the time was right. Furthermore, the only thing Alcinous asked of Odysseus was the story of his life, which Odysseus gladly recited in order to increase his own fame. When Alcinous learned of Odysseus’ identity, he lavished him with even more gifts of wealth so that he would spread the word of Phaeacian hospitality.

    Conversely, the powerful, divine beings showed little to no respect to Odysseus and his desires and needs. First, Calypso, lustrous nymph, held Odysseus against his will, ignoring his cries to be released. While she provided him with shelter, fine clothes, and food, she ignored his true desires to return to his homeland. Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, was possibly the worst host that Odysseus encountered in his numerous hardships in his return home. Not only did he refuse to release Odysseus and his men, he threatened to kill or eat them all, where the only guest-gift he offered was to eat Odysseus last. Finally, Circe, the bewitching queen of Aeaea, was only a good host after Odysseus bested her at her own game, forcing her to release his men from her magical grasp.

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  14. ♥Aziza♥February 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    I completely agree and support all of the examples and statements made above. The guest –host relationship is one that can be seen continuously throughout the book, specifically between Odysseus and the characters he encounters during his journey on the way home. While some pose as examples for the worst hosts in the relationship by threatening inhospitality, carelessness and lack of compassion; some are the perfect examples of good hosts. Odysseus himself is the perfect example of a good guest. One of the guest-host relationships that I didn’t see mentioned in the comments above me is one between him and Nausicaa, or the daughter of King Alcinous. When Odysseus emerged out of the bushes by the river where Nausicaa and the other girls were washing their clothes, Nausicaa was the only one who didn’t run away in fear of the man. Instead, she portrayed kind curiosity in a welcoming manner towards Odysseus. She expresses it when she states in Book 6, page 174, “But now, seeing you’ve reached our city and our land, you’ll never lack for clothing or any other gift, the right of worn-out suppliants come our way. I’ll show you our town, tell you our people’s name.” Nausicaa, being a female virgin who encounters a powerful and great looking male stranger, portrays no fear towards the man. One would think that such a character would run away from Odysseus. However she expresses great hospitality towards the man. She promises him all the necessities for human survival: food, water, shelter and clothing for as long as he wishes to stay. Not only does she promise him all these things, she also plays a role in helping him reach his native land by guiding him to her father, King Alcinous, who could greatly help Odysseus in returning back home.

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  15. Maria KolesarFebruary 22, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    In the Odyssey, Homer uses the guest- host relationship frequently in the book. An example of a guest host relationship where both the guest and 
the host behave properly is the relationship between Telemachus and King 

Menelaus. As a guest Telemachus treats his host with respect and dignity. Telemachus
address Menelaus as "my lord" to be kind and polite. 

Telemachus is very complimentary to his host by saying "Zeus must have such a 

place" when referring to Menelaus' house as royalty. He does this to let him know that he 

will be a good guest and that he is a proper gentleman. Menelaus shows that he 

to can be a good host and gives Telemachus food and shelter even when there is a 

wedding going on. He says "go and take out their horses, and bring the men in 

to share our feast". This shows that Menelaus must be a good guest especially to 

give them shelter during a wedding. Also Menelaus does not neglect his host when he arrives, he simply prepares a feast for him. Menelaus also does not pressure Telemachus 

into answering any questions before he eats and enjoys the festivities; nor does 

he give any indication that he wants Telemachus to leave. He says "stay here in 

my mansion for ten or twelve days and then I will give you a good send off and a 

handsome gift, three horses and a chariot: I will give you a fine chalice too, 

that when you pour your drop to the immortal gods you may think of me all your 

days". This statement shows that not only does he wishes Telemachus to stay but also 

that he is a very generous man indeed. The result of the good guest host relationship is a good outcome. For Telemachus the good outcome he receives is the accurate 
news of his father’s whereabouts. For Menelaus the good outcome is that whenever 
he may need help Telemachos is always there for him.

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  16. Anthony HsiehFebruary 22, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    First of all, the guest-host relationship was very important during that time. Basically, the host was very nice and courteous to the guest and accommodated the guest. The idea was that when the host went to visit the guest, the guest would also provide the same things. Also, the host didn’t want to be mean or reject the guest in case it was someone really popular or a god/goddess in disguise. Telemachus shows how the guest-host relationship should work. He housed the suitors and let them have parties in the palace even though he despised them and wanted to get rid of them. The guest-host relationship came first. Telemachus also showed respect when Athena, who was in disguised, came in, even though he did not know it was a goddess. He just treated her as a guest with the highest courtesy. Telemachus does not show the perfect relationship though since he was going to kill the suitors because they deserved it, which is definitely not respectful. King Alcinous and Queen Arete also show how the guest-host relationship should work. They provided hospitality to Odysseus, who was the guest at the time, even though he barged in the palace without formal permission. They even provided food before they asked who Odysseus was. Giving high quality food to a stranger shows that the guest-host relationship was important. To answer the question, I believe that Alcinous and Arete show the perfect, or the closest to perfect in the book so far, guest-host relationship.

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  17. RebeccaFebruary 22, 2009 at 6:08 PM

    It seems as if the Guest-Host relationship has more to do with respect and the "golden rule". In the Odyssey, we see the guest respecting the host if the host takes in the guest, thus being respectful to the guest. However, say the host goes to eat his guest. Then the guest will not respect the host and he will poke his eye out. Odysseus follows this quite well, and is usually a "good" guest to those who care for him. However, when he isn't cared for, Odysseus punishes the host in some way, and then is off to find his way home. In the previous comment, Telemachus is said to have been a bad host for wanting to kick his suitors out and kill them. Nevertheless, the suitors aren't respecting him at all and they no longer deserve to stay there. For this reason, everyone in the Odyssey illustrates a guest-host relationship. Give respect and recieve respect. Menalaus gave his respect to Odysseus because Odysseus respected him, and everyone was content, and no one lost an eye. Odysseus came into Phaecia, and hugged the queen's knees which demonstrates the amount of respect you have for someone. Hugging the knees shows that one has an understanding that they are not as great as the person sitting before them, and they are infact, below that person. The guest host relationship also has a lot to do with whether one is greek or not. Those who are greek tend to follow the relationship while those who don't follow these ways are considered barbaric and aren't greek.

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  18. j jafFebruary 22, 2009 at 6:51 PM

    While I agree with Gavin's examples of good and bad guest/host relationships, I respectfully disagree with the generalization he has made that powerful mortals are ideal hosts and guests while powerful, divine beings, are far from ideal. In my opinion in Homer’s Odyssey, powerful mortals and divine beings can be ideal guests and host, but they can also violate the guest host relationship.

    Athena is an example of one of the more powerful divine beings that not only upholds the guest/host relationship; she is probably the epitome of the ideal guest. When the Odyssey first begins, we see Athena entering the Palace of Odysseus. When she enters she greets her host Telemachus and gives him important news. She does not impose herself like the other suitors in the house consuming all of Telemachus and his mother, Penelope’s animals.

    In contrast to Athena, there are many divine beings that violate the guest-host relationship. The nymph goddess Calypso is an example of a bad host. While she saves Odysseus’s life and brings him to her Island prevents Odysseus from leaving for seven years and violates him every night. Only after Hermes delivers a message from the gods to release Odysseus, she does.

    King Menelaus is an example of a good host. When Telemachus and Athena come as guests to him in Sparta he welcomes them with open arms and feeds them without questioning their purpose until after they are satisfied. After he finds out who Telemachus is Menelaus even gives Telemachus a ship to help him find his father.

    Odysseus at times is an example of a powerful mortal being a bad guest and this often leads to trouble. When Odysseus’ army arrives to the Island of Cyclops they go to a Cyclops named Polymetheus’ cave. When they enter they realize that Polymetheus is not there. Instead of waiting for the Cyclops to return they eat all of his cheeses. In this instance Odysseus is acting like the suitors that are eating his wife and child out of house and home.

    In Conclusion, a being’s status has nothing to do with how they follow the laws of the guest-host relationship. On the other hand, I think that how someone follows the guest-host relationship is a way to measure that person’s morals

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  19. Aaron William Naft The First (I)February 23, 2009 at 2:58 PM

    I would like to speak upon the event in which Od. Arrives on in the Cyclops's cave. In this particular occurrence in the story, Od. finds himself in the land of the Cyclops; Whereupon he raids the cave for chesses and shelter. Once they have sacrificed food to the gods and commenced eating their meal, the all-powerful Cyclops storms in. Hospitality is shown at first, however he quickly turns and holds Od.'s men hostage. Trying to explain the situation to the Cyclops, Od. demands a guest gift and to be treated as a guest. Though he is denied the gift and the treatment, one may conclude that to give the guest a gift is customary. Based on this event one can expect to see a very welcoming relationship between guests and their hosts, and that the host is very grateful to have the guest.
    In comparison to today’s times, it is customary to bring a gift or a food offering into a house in which you have been invited. It is the exact opposite in this epic as one is expected to give your guest an offering as to welcome them into your home or shelter. The Cyclops failed to do this as he denied Od. his rightful offering, and this may have triggered the haste. In conclusion, as one may wrap up the event that took place in the Odyssey, an offering was not only appreciated but expected. If you are going to welcome someone into your home one must be prepared to offer them a gift as a sign of hospitality towards them, and to make them feel at home.

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  20. pia beck the 400thFebruary 24, 2009 at 4:14 PM

    In my opinion Odysseus and King Alcinous of Phaeacia have the "proper" guest/host relationship in terms of ancient Greece. when Odysseus goes there, the king and his people sit down and listen to his entire story about fighting in the trojan war, then his very long journey back. They feed him and offer him wine and listen intently and politely. Odysseus, in return, is also a very good guest. Like Riley said, Odysseus refuses to play in the games so he will not look like a bad guest when he beats Broadsea as well as the other men.

    However, there are times that Odysseus is not a good guest. an example of this is when he is in the Cyclops' cave. When the Cyclops, also not being a good host, tries to eat Odysseus and his crew, Odysseus reacts and blinds the monster with a stake. he then escapes with the remainder of his crew.

    Evidence, such as the example above, shows that the guest host relationship remains intact if both parties are willing to cooperate. When Odysseus, being a good guest, refuses to play in the games, Broadsea responds very rudely and calls Odysseus names, violating the relationship. Also, because the cyclops was not a good host, Odysseus and his crew did not want to be good guests.

    The guest/host relationship in this epic is very prominent and important in the culture. However, if it is not maintained by both parties then possibly one or both parties feels disrespected. This relationship is mutual and not only displays proper manners as well as respect for the other person/people, but as a result makes everyone happy and able to enjoy themselves.

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  21. Sami HawwaFebruary 24, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    The guest-host relationship is a very interesting and very reoccurring theme in the epic… The ancient Greeks believed that one must first show hospitality to the guest before asking questions and a perfect example of this relationship is Calypso and Odysseus.

    Odysseus get’s trapped on Calypso’s island for eight years and although this alters his journey to get back to his home (Ithica) he is treated better then good and enjoys his time their. Calypso shows a lot of hospitality by giving great Odysseus clothes, shelter, food, and love. At one point during his stay Odysseus even spends a night in her bed making this guest to host relationship a strong and perfect example.

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 6:31 AM

    Telemachus is the perfect example of a host in this epic. The guest host relashionship is that hosts should be good to their guests, and in return guests should be polite, respectful and good to their hosts. In Telemachus’ case, he continues to be an amazing host, feeding and allowing the suitors to live in his house trying to gain his mothers hand. Not only is he an excellent hosts under already bad circumstances, the suitors are not holding up their end of the guest host relashionship. The suitors live in his home, partying, eating all their food and just over all trashing their house, not allowing Penelope grieve.
    As for Odysseys as a guest, he is both good and bad as a guest. When he is taken in and cared for he is grateful in return. However, he is quick to break the guest host relashionship on suspicion and as soon as his host does. He is quick to listen to his men and his gut feeling when it comes to staying or leaving. The slightest mishap and he is on his way, already leaving with his treasure for the next place he happens to land.
    Also, for hosts, them are obligated to good to travelers who are tired and hungry. This holds true even if they do not like to traveler, and they just pity them. This becomes apparent in book 14, “Never for that will I respect you, treat you kindly; no, it’s my fear of Zeus, the god of guests, and because I pity you…” (14: 440)

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  23. Peter Montjoy TrimbleFebruary 25, 2009 at 7:22 AM

    I would say that menelaus is the best example of the guest host relationship because he is extremely polite to telemachus when telemachus arrives. He says go shower and eat food and we will exchange names later. By doing this you can see that he is very polite and does not care who they are. The only thing that menelaus cares about is that telemachus is very happy and that he can have everything that he needs. This is a great example of the guest host relationship. The guest host relationship is there because people believe that when a stranger comes into your home that you should treat them how you would like to be treated when you are visiting there home or there country. This is also there because many people go from town to town and there were no hotels so this is very necessary for people that are moving around or traveling to different areas and they can go to someone’s home and be welcomed with open arms. There are many examples of the guest host relationship but I think that this is one of the best ones in the epic.

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  24. David NelsonFebruary 25, 2009 at 7:38 AM

    The guest-host relationship appears throughout The Odyssey. The guest-host relationship was very important to the Greeks. The guest is supposed to respect the hosts as if they knew the host. The host also treated the guest very nicely so that if the hosts needed somewhere to stay out by the guest's house, they would be welcome to stay there. It is a reoccurring theme throughout The Odyssey, and hosts must show hospitality to the guest before the guest even introduces himself. The guest expects to stay wherever he wants and expects the hosts to treat them very nice. Even though Calypso traps Odysseus on her island, she treats him well and doesn’t harm Odysseus at all. Also, when Telemachus goes to Menelaus and Helen's house and they treat him very well and are great examples of guest-host relationship. Telemachus walks into their house, and there is a feast, they don’t even ask him his name, they just tell him to go eat and do whatever and he can introduce himself later. The guest-host relationship is very important in the Odyssey. Every host is supposed to treat their guest as if they knew them for their whole lives. There are many examples of great guest-host relationship, because it is very important to the people of Greece.

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  25. Nick HajekFebruary 25, 2009 at 10:10 AM

    The guest –host relationship is one that can be seen continuously throughout the book, specifically between Odysseus and the characters he encounters during his journey on the way home.
    -Aziza

    Well, I'd have to agree.
    First of all, the Odyssey is a piece of ancient Greek literature. It would be ridiculous if we did not expect their cultures and values to be in the book.

    While the guest/host relationship is a reoccurring theme, I'd also like to contrast it against other relationships we have studied... Such as, China. during our Chinese unit, we all looked over (or at least glanced) at the 5 relationships that Confucius [a.k.a. Kung-fu-zui] said were the most important. As I'm looking over them, I've noticed that the Guest/host relationship is not really a reoccurring factor.

    When comparing the relationship to that of Gilgamesh though, I can see some similarities. Siduri openly welcomed Gilgamesh into her home, her bar, and lavished him and adorned him. This could be said the same for most Guests in the time plane that the Odyssey is set in; Guests are lavished.

    But one question continuously pops into my mind... Why did the ancient Greeks put so much emphasis on a good Guest/Host relationship?



    -Ŋιćĸ

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  26. Kevin SperoffFebruary 25, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    In the Epic, “The Odyssey”, there are many times when the guest-host relationship comes into play. The guest-host relationship involves certain rules about being kind and welcoming to your guest, and also knowing what to say to them and when to say it. One really good example of this in the odyssey is when Odysseus lands on phaecia. When this happens he is completely welcomed and is taken into the phaecian homes. The phaecian king is curious and has many questions to ask Odysseus but instead of just blurting them out he welcomes his guest, feeds him, clothes him, washes him, and presents him with many gifts before actually questioning him. The phaecian king follows very well in the rules of the host and the guest. That was a perfect example of what to do, now a perfect example of what not to do is when Odysseus goes into the cave of Polyphemus. When he goes in there he expects the Cyclops to follow the guest-host relationship but sadly he is woefully wrong. Polyphemus believes he is higher then everybody, Zeus and all the other gods included. There for he attacks and kills Odysseus’ men and treats them to no kindness what so ever. That was a perfect example of how not to follow the guest-host relationship. Overall though the guest host relationship means that when a stranger comes to you, then you welcome him and treat him to all his needs no matter what. After you have eater specifically and also have been very kind, then you may question the stranger about who they are, where there from, what was their purpose, etc.

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  27. Wesley HertsFebruary 25, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    After finishing book 14 of the Odyssey, I feel that the guest-host relationship is an extremely important aspect of Greek society. This is because having good guest-host manners exemplifies a respectful, well-taught, and spiritual person. In book 14, Eumaeus is a picture perfect example of a host. Graciously, he welcomes Odysseus, stating, "It's wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing - even one who arrives in worse shape than you. Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus," (Book 14 lines 64 to 66). This quote is the epitome of a good host, they are spiritual and welcoming to anyone who comes calling. Unfortunately, Odysseus is not a very gracious guest throughout the story. When he is invited to participate in the games, but declines, he claims it is because he doesn't want to beat his host too badly. The initial action is great, but his reasoning makes him stick out because he is so cocky, would you ever want to host someone that didn't want to play a game because they would embarrass you? He is just as bad as Eumaeus' guest. Odysseus is a schemer and a trickster, and uses his story in order to obtain things from Eumaeus. Odysseus tells a story about how is clothes were taken when he was captured, but we all know that is a lie. This story guilt trips Eumaeus into giving Odysseus a cloak to wear.
    Overall, in order to be a good host, one must be spiritual and gracious towards their guest. In order to be a good guest, one must return the same level of virtue and maturity, rather than bragging to your host's face or guilty tripping your host into getting food, shelter, and/or clothing.

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  28. Robert FearonMarch 1, 2009 at 10:54 AM

    I think that Menelaus is the perfect example of a good host. He is willing to accept any stranger in his home at any time and under any circumstances. He even lets Telemachus stay and fast with him while a wedding is taking place. Menelaus is willing to do anything to make his guests comfortable. He finds beds for Tlemachus, gives him gold and fine gifts, and lets him take the finest wine and food. From some observations that I have made, a good host is willing to gift everything he has to a guest. It is the duty of the host to accommodate the every whim of the guest. Menelaus follows the model of a good host perfectly. He even tells Telemachus to stay longer and enjoy the pleasures of his house in book 15. He tells Telemachus “Dine in style first, and then leave to see the world. And if you are keen for the grand tour of all Hellas, right to the depths of Argos, I’ll escort you myself” (322)

    As for the perfect guest, I think that there is not a single person who excels at being a guest. A good guest does not have to do much to be acceptable in someone else's house. All a good guest has to do is to not impose himself or herself on the host. The guest cannot constantly ask for things; that is the job of the host to make sure the guest is accommodated for. Odysseus and Telemachus are both good guests, and really are the only guests that we see in detail in the Odyssey.

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  29. Ben AustinMarch 1, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    I believe that the guest- host relations is just that if you how hospitality it boosts your popularity, and if you go to someone else’s home they will treat the same you have treated them. So if you are specifically kind and it obligates others when you are at their place or home they are obligates to treat you either the same hospitality, kindness, etc. the idea of the guest host relationship is that it obligates other people to treat people with respect, kindness, etc. no matter what class, no matter noble or unnoble. It is a assurance that if you have problems at sea and make it to an allies island that he wil let you stay because he knows you would let him stay under the same surcumstance. It is also just hospitality if someone has traveled for days ae you going to be a jack ass and deny them a bed to sleep in. are you going to deny them water to drink, are you going to deny them anything, in that situation I doubt it. If you are kind, then people will treat you with kindness. Its that whole treat as you want to be treated thing

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  30. AnonymousMarch 2, 2009 at 6:32 AM

    I think that there are three people in paticular who are extremely good examples of the guest-host relationship. The first is King Nestor. King Nestor takes in telemachus when Telemachus goes to King Nestor's palace even though he doesn't have to (besides for the guest-host relationship). Not only does Nestor take him in, but he also gives him a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of food to eat, and plenty of drink (including wine which was a delicacy and a very symbolic drink at the time). King Nestor is the first great example of the guest-host relationship. The second was the princess who took odysseus in when he first found land after leaving calypso's island. Princess Naussica sees Odysseus, and she feels inclined to take him in, as he looks beaten up. She takes in a complete stranger, without much consent from her friends on top of that, as they believe they should leave him alone. However, this kindness is not all just because of the guest host relationship, as Princess Nausicca finds Odysseus very attractive, which is another reason that she takes him in. The third example of someone who is an extremely good example of the guest host relationship is Eumaeus. Although he knows odysseus (odysseus is his "master"), he doesn't recognize him because of the wear and tear the sea caused him. We know he is a great example b/c he volunteers to sleep with the pigs outside, just so the stranger (odysseus) has a comfortable place to sleep. In summary, the 3 best examples of people who maintaint the guest-host relationship are King Nestor, Princess Nausicca, and Eumaeus.

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  31. Molly LiebeskindMarch 5, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    I think that the way to look at the guest-host-relationship in the Odyssey and the charectors efforts of being a good guest or host is to first define what it means to be a good host and guest. In today’s times, a proper host provides the guest with anything they may need but only to some extent. This is because unlike The Odyssey, in today’s world strangers who are wearing rags and are intimidating looking wouldn’t be welcomed by a family and given food, clothes, and a place to sleep. Additionally, the perfect guest today would not enter a person’s house in rags and seeking a bed. They would be well dressed, they would have great manners, and they would probably be bringing something with them like food or a bottle of wine. However, during the time of the Odyssey, the perfect host would provide food, clothing, and shelter for their guest and the perfect guest would simply be polite and never rude. Therefore, a lot more of the pressure was on the host at the time. Because the more pressure is on the host to be perfect I think it is only fair to look at who in the Odyssey portrays the perfect host. In the epic, I would argue that Penelope is the perfect guest to Odysseus when he comes to her palace as a guest. This is because Penelope excepts Odysseus as more than just a poor man who needs clothing but she treats him genuinely as a friend and provides him with anything he would like and even more than he asks for.

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  32. Danny LubMarch 8, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. Danny LubMarch 8, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    I believe that the guest host relationship plays an extremely large role in the Odyssey. There are two main hosts that impact the story. The first important host is Nestor. Nestor is a very wealthy man that is the host for Telemachus, the son of the great warrior Odysseus. This is the first stop for Telemachus on his way to find his father. Nestor’s assistant spots Telemachus walking toward the gates, and asks Nestor if he should reject the man’s entrance. However Nestor completely rejects that offer and has Telemachus come in. He treats the guest to food, a place to sleep, and wine. This is one example of how great of a host Nestor is. The second host which in my opinion is a great one is Calypso. Calypso’s guest on the island is Odysseus. Although Calypso forces Odysseus to be stay on the island for such long periods of time, Calypso still provides her guest with food, and plenty of wine. Calypso also offers Odysseus to her hand in marriage, so with her he will live a happy life. Even when Calypso is forced to let Odysseus leave the island, as instructed by Zeus, she still helps Odysseus. She helps him by giving him her best wine and food to go with him on the ship, so he can have a great trip back. Calypso could be considered as great a host as many other characters in the book.

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