Welcome to Orality to Multimedia, a blog about classic works of literature and their interpretations on screen. This blog is the public writing place for members of English 2111 (World Literature I), College of Coastal Georgia, Summer 2010. We aim to make an appealing blog that will catch the public eye and be a valuable resource for learning about classic literature and film. Here you will find commentary about literary works, as well as historical, cultural, political and aesthetic research on those works. In addition to our written work, you will find images, videos and links to related sites and blogs. We invite the public to tune in to our project, and--please--leave us comments if you'd like to enter the conversation.
~Perfesser
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mi casa es su casa
Use the comment button to post summaries of articles that deal with the importance of hospitality to the Ancient Greeks, especially as portrayed in The Odyssey.
Newton, Rick M. "Assembly and Hospitality in the Cyclôpeia." College Literature 35.4 (2008): 1-44. Literary Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 25 June 2010.
Summary of “Assembly and Hospitality in the Cyclôpeia”
Hospitality or “Xenia” was of the upmost importance in the ancient Greek world and Homer’s Odyssey reflects that fact. The epic poem is laden with tales of feasting and gift giving by generous hosts. Hospitality served to please both gods and guests while also spreading the host’s good reputation around the known world. Zeus was known as the god of travelers and beggars. So, it was necessary to honor your quests regardless of status if one wanted to avoid the wrath of Zeus. When a host honored a quest it meant that justice had been served to that guest. This act of justice pleased the gods greatly. Because of the geography of Greece, travel was often long and arduous. It was proper to bathe and perfume any guest who arrived at your door to relieve them of their travel woes. Only after a guest had been fed and bathed is he asked who he is and what his intentions are. Once the guest was ready to leave he was then showered with luxurious gifts. Hospitality also benefited the host. Displaying hospitality facilitated the spreading of his reputation. This good reputation was used to build alliances among families and regional leaders.
Newton, Rick M. "Assembly and Hospitality in the Cyclôpeia." College Literature 35.4 (2008): 1-44. Literary Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 25 June 2010.
ReplyDeleteSummary of “Assembly and Hospitality in the Cyclôpeia”
Hospitality or “Xenia” was of the upmost importance in the ancient Greek world and Homer’s Odyssey reflects that fact. The epic poem is laden with tales of feasting and gift giving by generous hosts. Hospitality served to please both gods and guests while also spreading the host’s good reputation around the known world.
Zeus was known as the god of travelers and beggars. So, it was necessary to honor your quests regardless of status if one wanted to avoid the wrath of Zeus. When a host honored a quest it meant that justice had been served to that guest. This act of justice pleased the gods greatly.
Because of the geography of Greece, travel was often long and arduous. It was proper to bathe and perfume any guest who arrived at your door to relieve them of their travel woes. Only after a guest had been fed and bathed is he asked who he is and what his intentions are. Once the guest was ready to leave he was then showered with luxurious gifts.
Hospitality also benefited the host. Displaying hospitality facilitated the spreading of his reputation. This good reputation was used to build alliances among families and regional leaders.