Introduction

Emily Wilson’s adaptation of the literary masterpiece The Odyssey discusses the concept of dual-hospitality. Dual-hospitality is the idea that hospitality goes both ways, between guests and hosts. Furthermore, while hospitality is often considered a good trait, the lessons from the stories of The Odyssey teach us that hospitality is a fine line; too little can be dangerous, and too much can be toxic. These claims about dual-hospitality are supported multiple times throughout the text, from multiple different perspectives and scenarios. As you join us on this journey, together we will discover the intricate nuances of hospitality. We will begin with exploring how certain characters refuse to display hospitality, and then examine the opposite, discovering the kindness associated with proper hospitality. Later, we will highlight the often overlooked aspects of hospitality that deal with other ideals such as leadership. Finally, we will see how hospitality should not just be a concern of the host; guests have a responsibility to it as well. This theme of hospitality has translated outside just the text as well. Throughout our presentation we have woven varying pieces of media that represent hospitality. From paintings to shows to songs, the impact Homer has had by conveying his ideas about hospitality has effectively translated across centuries. Overall, our presentation is a thorough, in-depth examination of how hospitality manifested in ancient Greece. It is impossible to truly understand the complexity of this often over-simplified trait without examining the scenarios discussed in the epic from different perspectives. As with every situation, there are always two sides to a story, and often more than just two. By digging deeper into the text, we can further examine these overlooked perspectives to find the true meanings behind the characters actions, therefore empathizing with them, causing us to draw our own judgements and conclusions about the morality and validity of their actions. Hospitality is not a black and white value or action. Rather, it is a gray zone, murked with past experiences and previous convictions that influence people’s decisions as to how they approach hospitality, whether they be a guest or a host. As we see in multiple different books in The Odyssey, these actions and approaches to hospitality often prove to possess consequences, sometimes good, and sometimes bad. As you journey throughout the body of our presentation, we encourage you to keep an open mind. Endeavor to put yourself in the characters’ shoes. Empathize with them. 

Case Study 1

Amanda- cyclops

Polyphemus, the Cyclops encountered by Odysseus in Homer’s The Odyssey, is a multifaceted character whose complexity is often overshadowed by his monstrous portrayal. While traditionally seen as a menacing obstacle, a closer examination of Polyphemus reveals overlooked perspectives that add depth to his character and underscore his significance in the theme of hospitality. In Wilson’s translation, Polyphemus is presented as a Cyclops with a distinct personality, not merely a monstrous antagonist. His portrayal goes beyond a one-dimensional creature, allowing readers to glimpse into the Cyclops’ life and motivations. One aspect that is often overlooked in the epic is Polyphemus’ cultural background and lack of knowledge about the Greek customs and gods. When Odysseus identifies himself as “Nobody” during their encounter, Polyphemus’ inability to comprehend Greek traditions becomes evident, leading to a crucial oversight in understanding his character.

Polyphemus’ ignorance is emphasized in his response to Odysseus invoking the name of “Nobody” when blinding him. In Book 9, lines 455-459, Polyphemus cries out to his fellow Cyclopes for help, saying, “Nobody is killing me by craft and not by force!” This clever wordplay becomes a tool of survival for Odysseus but also reveals Polyphemus’ lack of familiarity with the nuances of human language and deception. Understanding this aspect of Polyphemus’ character adds layers to his portrayal, painting him as a creature shaped by his isolation and limited exposure to the broader world. The theme of hospitality plays a pivotal role in Polyphemus’ narrative. Traditionally, hospitality, or xenia, was a sacred and reciprocal bond in ancient Greek society. Hosts were expected to welcome strangers, provide shelter, and offer food. However, Polyphemus deviates from this societal norm. When Odysseus and his men seek refuge in the Cyclops’ cave, they expect to be treated with the customary hospitality. Instead, Polyphemus violates this sacred practice by imprisoning the men and consuming them one by one. Polyphemus’ blatant disregard for hospitality reflects his savagery and lack of civilized behavior, contributing to the consequences that follow. The blinding of the Cyclops by Odysseus becomes a justified act of retaliation, a consequence of Polyphemus’ violation of the social contract inherent in Greek hospitality. This deviation from expected norms amplifies the significance of Polyphemus in highlighting the importance of hospitality within the epic.

In conclusion, Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey provides a nuanced portrayal of Polyphemus, revealing aspects of his character often overlooked in traditional interpretations. His ignorance of Greek customs and language adds complexity to his persona, emphasizing the cultural clash between the Cyclops and Odysseus. Moreover, Polyphemus’ violation of hospitality becomes a crucial element in the epic, shedding light on the repercussions of disregarding societal norms. Through Polyphemus, Homer invites readers to reflect on the complexities of morality and the consequences of actions in a world where hospitality is both a virtue and a social contract.

Case Study 2

Anika – Nausicca

Following book 5 and Odyessus’s battle against the gods and the sea, he washes up on the island of Scheria. He’s beaten down and helpless, with no idea where he is.  Athena once again intervenes in his journey home and visits the people of Scheria. In disguise, she convinces the princess, Naussica to journey to the washing pools where Odysseus has fought his way onto shore. Unknowing of his presence, the girl and her slaves wash laundry, eat, and bathe.  Odysseus wakes to the girls playing and approaches Naussica, begging for help to get back to his home. “Show me the town, give me some rags to wear, if you brought any clothes when you came here.” (Wilson 202)  His use of the word rags shows he would be grateful for anything Nausicca was willing to share. She isn’t afraid of Odysseus, despite his tattered appearance and the fact that he is a stranger to the girl. The island is protected and not just anyone washes up on its shores. She vows to help him and allows him to bathe which reveals that he is a beautiful man worthy of the gods. They devise a plan for Odysseus to enter the town using a different route than the princess. With his natural charm and brains he will beg the king and queen for a safe return to Ithica. He begs Athena for help in her shrine on the island and the book cuts off, in suspense before he enters the palace.  Naussica is a perfect example of how hospitality is a crucial part of Odysseus’s journey.  “We must look after him. All foreigners and beggars come from Zeus and any act of kindness is a blessing.” (Wilson 203) She feels that her acts of hospitality will please the gods and in return, she will be given good fortune. She hopes for a kind husband to please her parents and her town. She fears being seen with Odysseus as they might think she begged the gods for a man, not of her people. Odysseus, who has been trapped on Calypsos island for ages, is used to feeling helpless and for the first time in a long time, he has a kind host. Odysseus’s encounter with Naucissa continues to show the audience a humble side of Odysseus compared to the cunning tricker side we see so many other times.  We also can see in this book how far Athena is willing to go to protect and help Odysseus on his journey.  She knows Posideon is against his safe return but despite that, she continuously makes sure everything works towards his success. Compared to the more negative sides of hospitality in the other case studies, Nausicaa is an important character who is genuine in wanting to help Odysseus.  We see the lotus eaters and their tricks, Polyphemus and his brutal ways, and the suitors who take advantage of Penelope and Telemachus.  Even Circe starts off with trickery and unhospitable acts.  Nausicaa is easily one of the kindest people in this book and treats Odysseus like a god.

Case Study 3

Luke – Lotus Eaters

In Book IX in The Odyssey, titled “A Pirate in a Shepherd’s Cave”, Odysseus and his crew are attempting to return home from Ismarus. After being attacked by the Cicones, the weary men wept for their fallen comrades, slaughtered by the attackers. The troubles were just beginning, however. The God of the skies, Zeus, “hurled North Wind at [their] ships, a terrible typhoon, and covered up the sea and earth with fog” (Wilson, 242). This imagery, combined with the alliteration of “terrible typhoon” signals just how dangerous and significant the conditions were. This in turn highlights the sheer, pure anger Zeus must have felt for Odysseus. For about two weeks, the crew was lost at sea, until they finally landed on the island of Djerba, in the southern part of the Mediterranean Sea. As Odysseus’ crew set up camp on the beach, he sent two men and a slave to scout out the island. The scout team encountered humans on the island; a unique group of people, known as The Lotus-Eaters. More specifically, the Lotus-Eaters were nonviolent people who dined on Lotus, a delicious fruit from the Lotus flower. They shared the fruit with the scout team, and something strange occurred as soon as the fruit touched the scout teams tongues; they lost all motivation to return home, completely content on staying with The Lotus-Eaters, eating the addictive fruit. Odysseus, catching wind of what had happened, forcefully drug his men back to the boats. To expand, Odysseus describes how the men under the influence of the Lotus fruit were crying as they were forced back onto the boats. They even had to be tied to the beams in the stomach of the ship. The imagery of strong, grown men (who are soldiers, as well) sobbing and being forcefully taken away from a fruit tells the reader just how strong the Lotus is.  The encounter with the Lotus-Eaters shows the audience that Odysseus cares about his crew and is determined to get home. When his scout team submits to the fruit and loses their motivation, Odysseus jumps in and “dragged them back in tears, forced them on board the hollow ships, pushed them below the decks, and tied them up” (Wilson, 243). These actions show me that Odysseus has a type of ‘no man left behind’ mentality. Odysseus knows that without his crew, he won’t be able to get home, and he wants his crew to return home as well. Furthermore, this humanizes Odysseus. While he is often represented as the brash, tough warrior that he is, these simple actions demonstrate to the audience that he is more than that; he is a human with feelings and emotional desires, too. However, Odysseus acts on his emotional desires through a militant strategy. He uses brute force in order to help the scout team that is under the influence. This highlights that above all, Odysseus is a soldier, and that aspect creeps into all other parts of his character. While describing the Lotus-Eaters, Emily Wilson utilizes imagery in order to pinpoint the struggles faced by Odysseus and his crew. Furthermore, certain militant diction enforces the idea of Odysseus as a warrior, while at the same time an empathetic individual who longs for home.

(Odysseus carrying his men away from the lotus eaters)

Case Study 4

Matthew – The Suitors

Book 1 titled “The Boy and the Goddess” contained events that showed the reader how Odysseus can portray many different values including intelligence and strength. After his siege on Troy, Odysseus and all of the other Greeks were supposed to head home back to Ithaca. Odysseus on the other hand decided to remain in Troy because he felt that going back home was a trap. Back in Ithaca Athena was very upset to hear the news about how Odysseus was not coming home with the rest of the Greeks. She states to the Greeks, “Great Father, if the blessed gods at last will let Odysseus return back home, then hurry, we must send our messenger, Hermes the giant-slayer” (Wilson 105). Athena is visibly and verbally disappointed about his decision to not come home and seems to pray to the gods to help him find his way home back to Ithaca. Little did Athena know, Odysseus’s decision to stay in Troy was very intelligent of him. Later on in book 1, the Suitors came to Odysseus’s home in Ithaca looking for him and were not pleased to hear that he was not there. They decided to make themselves at home and ask for entertainment and food from the people living in Odysseus’s house. They then end up trashing his house and raiding it of almost everything that Odysseus kept in the house. Telemachus decided to try and convince them he was never coming home by saying, “We have no hope. He will not come back home. If someone says so, we do not believe it” (Wilson 110). This action by Telemachus only upset the Suitors more and led to them trashing the house to the point where it was almost completely destroyed. Odysseus’s choice to not come home is ultimately the cause for this but it also was the right decision, showing how he used his strength and intelligence to hold back on coming home to Ithaca. Odysseus had a very big impact in Book 1 even with the fact that he wasn’t present in Ithaca where a lot of the trouble was happening. The whole idea of hospitality was displayed in this first book as something that can cause conflict and confusion. Odysseus was across the Mediterranean sea trying to avoid the Suitors while they were raiding his home, showing how even with his absence he can have an impact on others. His home was destroyed because of his absence and he will now not come home for a while. This confused the people that live in his home and gave them the feeling that he may never come back home. Odysseus’s traits of intelligence and strength can be seen through the image of hospitality in this book by how he made the smart choice to not go home which affected all of his loved ones and his entire house back in Ithaca. In conclusion, Odysseus has a heavy impact on the idea of hospitality in this first chapter by the way he uses his many traits to help himself not have to deal with the Suitors back in Ithaca.

Our Voices

“The Smurf Odyssey” is a captivating episode from the beloved “The Smurfs” cartoon series, offering a whimsical adaptation of Homer’s classic “The Odyssey.” The narrative unfolds when a time whirlwind transports the Smurfs into an ancient Grecian world, where they embark on a journey reminiscent of Odysseus’ adventures. What sets this adaptation apart is its exploration of the character Polyphemus in a fresh and empathetic light. In the traditional epic, Polyphemus is a menacing Cyclops, portrayed as a heartless villain. However, “The Smurf Odyssey” takes a bold step by revealing the vulnerable side of Polyphemus. When the Smurfs encounter him on the island, expecting a fearsome foe, they discover a Cyclops who is more afraid of them. This twist humanizes Polyphemus, showcasing his loneliness and desire for friendship, challenging the one-dimensional portrayal in the original epic. The narrative approach in “The Smurf Odyssey” extends beyond the children’s audience, providing adults with a nuanced perspective on Odysseus and Polyphemus. By delving into the emotional experiences of characters, the adaptation prompts a reevaluation of classical literature’s one-sided portrayals, fostering a more empathetic understanding of their struggles. The chosen illustration depicting Odysseus impaling the Cyclops serves as a visual analysis of power dynamics and gender roles. Odysseus, positioned higher, symbolizes his dominance, while the Cyclops, despite his physical strength, is portrayed as vulnerable and defeated. This image reflects societal and cultural differences, emphasizing the heroism attributed to Odysseus compared to the defeated Cyclops, reinforcing traditional gender roles. The historical context of the chosen illustration, created by TIBALDI, Pellegrino in 1551, adds depth to the analysis. The scene underscores the consequences of Polyphemus’ absence of hospitality, a central theme in “The Odyssey.” Polyphemus’ disregard for societal norms leads to violent consequences, highlighting the importance of hospitality in Greek society. However, a critical examination reveals overlooked perspectives within the narrative. While the story primarily unfolds from Odysseus’ viewpoint, understanding the Cyclops’ culture and societal background could offer a more nuanced view. Polyphemus’ ignorance of Greek customs, illustrated in his dismissal of Zeus, raises questions about cultural understanding and the consequences of cultural clashes. Additionally, the narrative neglects the individual stories and identities of Odysseus’ crew members, relegating them to secondary roles. Exploring the crew’s experiences and perspectives after the encounter with Polyphemus could enrich the narrative, providing insight into their relationship with Odysseus and the repercussions of the event. In conclusion, “The Smurf Odyssey” breathes new life into a classic tale, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on characters like Polyphemus. The visual analysis of the chosen illustration adds depth to the understanding of power dynamics and cultural nuances within the narrative. However, an exploration of overlooked perspectives, including the Cyclops’ culture and the crew members’ individual stories, could further enhance the richness of this adaptation.

This image to the left that we chose to study portrays a woman, who we can infer is Nausicaa, surrounded by women at her feet as she hands some cloth to a naked man who we presume is Odysseus.  He’s wrapped in leaves, barefoot, and a large beard as though he hasn’t shaved in a while. The girls are all well dressed with their hair tied back into modest buns. He appears grateful for what the woman is handing him and accepts the cloth with both arms.  The girls surrounding Nausicaa don’t seem as welcoming of the man and are all looking at him fearfully. The bottom girl seems to be gripping the other girl’s arm as a sign of this. They aren’t sure if it is right to be giving him the clothes, possibly due to his appearance or the unknowing of what he is there for. In the background, we can see a body of water and it appears they are standing right on the shore, where there are trees behind Odysseus as well as logs on the floor. In my research I learn that Nausicaa is a kind and welcoming host and that she believes her helping Odysseus will grant her well wishes from the gods as she hopes to find a husband. This portrayal of the scene between Nausicaa and Odysseus is pretty accurate to Emily Wilson’s telling of the story that we read.  We know the women she is with are her slaves, who in the book are portrayed with darker skin but don’t have that appearance in this image. This could be due to the fact that in many retellings of “The Odyssey” the mention of slaves is taken out completely. In the book, it says “grasping a leafy branch he broke it off to cover up his manly private parts.” (Wilson 201) This is a direct parallel between the book and this image, as we can see the vines wrapped around Odysseus.  I feel this deepened my understanding of Nausicaa as it helps me see the kindness on her face and how humble Odysseus looks in her presence.  The artist might have chosen to have her visually on a higher level than her slaves to signify her power.  They even have Odysseus appear smaller than her in this image so your eyes are drawn to her instantly. One thing I think this image could have done a better job depicting was the real help Nausicaa gave Odysseus. In the passage, she guides him to town and advises how he should ask for help from the king and queen. This is a crucial step in his journey home and is how he wins over the king and queen, who give him his crew and ship.  Another voice that gets forgotten in this painting is the invisible voice of Athena. Nausicaa and Odysseus’ interaction was planned down to him waking up at the perfect moment to meet her.  This book is the first time we see the true lengths that Athena is willing to go to to get Odysseus back home safely, which isn’t portrayed in this image.  This image is just a snapshot of Nausicaa and Odysseus’ interaction, and a lot goes untold to the audience. 

This song, “Lotus Eater”, by the band Foster the People, draws inspiration from The Odyssey to discuss the dangers of pleasing oneself with unimportant things. The song was very recently released in 2017. It is crucial to realize the long-standing impact that The Odyssey and its characters and events have had across multiple sources of media. Artists and everyday people alike take The Odyssey and its lessons and apply the values to their art and everyday life in a variety of ways. The modern forms of media also present an opportunity to hear or see the perspectives of characters who are not highlighted as much in The Odyssey. “Lotus Eater” by Foster the People is a terrific example of this. The band draws inspiration from the Lotus Eaters of Book IX of The Odyssey in order to deliver their message about the dangers of drug addiction.

In “Lotus Eater”, the only direct reference to The Odyssey is only the title itself – yet when closely listened to, the theme of the song obviously relate and connect to the literary masterpiece. The song follows a shallow relationship. To open, the lyrics criticize a woman who the narrator presumably meets at some sort of social gathering. As the song goes on, we hear the narrator describe how he is not searching for any type of emotional connection, just a fun time. Later, the narrator criticizes his own feelings, and realizes the purely physical, absent of emotion, relationships are a dangerous drug – much like the lotus plant the Lotus Eaters eat in The Odyssey. To summarize, the narrator is a former ‘Lotus Eater’ who broke free of the grasp of the Lotus. This perspective raises an interesting conversation on the lack of substance in today’s world. It often seems as if in todays society, people, especially the younger generations seek joy from shallow, unconnected relationships, rather than the better, emotional connections. These shallow relationships are a metaphor for the Lotus plant from The Odyssey, and vice versa. It is hard to realize that you are addicted to something useless until you break free, however, just as the narrator of “Lotus Eater” does. This raises a question as to how Odysseus’ scout team that was under the influence of the Lotus plant felt after its effects had worn off. Did they regret their lack of motivation while on the drug? Or did they miss the blissful feeling of having not a worry in the world? These questions are unanswered within the literature, but it is up to us as the audience to make our own assumptions based off our own experiences. This also goes to display an interesting form of dual hospitality. There are two ways to look at the motives of the Lotus-Eaters. Maybe they had harmful motives, trying to capture and hold the men for eternity. But maybe they just wanted to bless the men with the peaceful bliss they experienced. 

As stated earlier, it is extremely important to look at modern pieces of media in connection to The Odyssey. This comparative approach allows us to fully appreciate the massive impact the themes of The Odyssey has had across thousands of years. This allows us to relate more closely to literary piece as we can more closely relate to the themes when we see them applied to scenarios that we have experienced firsthand. Furthermore, applying the lens of dual hospitality can show different perspectives as to why hosts attempt to share the things they enjoy. Sometimes these things can be harmful, but it is important to realize that it is difficult to recognize something is harmful when it is the only thing you know.

In the image above, you can see many different actions occurring. I noticed what seems to be the suitors on the far left of the photo, almost demanding the person in the purple clothes to walk through the door with the person she is holding hands with. Then I come to notice the people on the right side of the photo look like they are backing away from the people at the door like they are either scared or threatened by them. The 2 people in the purple clothes and the person on the far right all seem to look like they do not want the men on the left to be in their home or in their general presence. This picture directly connects to the first book in the Odyssey when the Suitors come to Ithaca to raid Odysseus’s home where his family is and force them to feed them and entertain them. In this book the Suitors are described as people who were very cruel to Odysseus’s family and showed no remorse when they found out he wasn’t home in Ithaca but was still in Troy. Odysseus was in Troy with other greek men fighting and didn’t return home because he knew what awaited him, which happened to be the suitors and their dangerous behavior. This image backs up what I thought the actions of the suitors would look like in Odysseus’s home. While reading the book I thought of the suitors as bad people who took their anger out on innocent people, which is backed up by the image and how they are forcefully making the subjects in the photo do something. One thing I wish the image made a little more clear was what the suitors actually made Odysseus’s family do and what that looked like. The book explains how they entertained them and brought them food but if the image would have shown what that looked like I believe that my understanding for this book would have been improved. One thing this image does really well with is help the audience understand the frustration Telemachus and all the other people in the house had for how the Suitors treated them. The image displays them being treated like nothing and coupled with what Telemachus had to say about the situation, we can gain a better understanding of the situation. Telemachus stated, “… these men are only interested in music, a life of ease. They make no contribution.This food belongs to someone else, a man whose white bones may be lying in the rain or sunk beneath the waves” (Wilson 110). Telemachus was visibly upset at the Suitors but as a reader we can’t see that. The way the book describes his actions allows us to see how he acts and coupled with the picture we can see how exactly the whole situation went down. This all relates back to the idea of hospitality because ultimately the choice Odysseus made to not come home led to all of this happening with the Suitors. They came looking for him and since he wasn’t there, they did what was seen in the picture and made a lot of his family very upset with the outcome. 

Our Map

Conclusion

Our four case studies all show the various moments in Odysseus’s journey when other people’s stories affected his own.  We started off talking about the Cyclops and dove into the different ways he can be perceived. His version of hospitality was not the same as what we are used to which makes his case study very interesting. We talked about if he was considered a monster or if we simply didn’t understand his culture. Next, we talk about Nausicca who was one of the kind people he met. She portrays the idea that hospitality is to please the gods as she is looking for kindness in return for this deed she is doing. Our third case study on the lotus eaters shows a hostage side of hospitality.  What starts as seemingly friendly turns into a desperate situation. The lotus eaters give us a deeper look into the leadership aspect of The Odyssey and how Odysseus saves his crew. The lotus eaters were another interesting case of: are they monsters, or is it simply all they know? Lastly, we go back to the first book that shows the initial disrespect people can have towards hospitality.  When observing the suitors in Odysseus’s home we see what the people of Greece look down upon and how not to act.

Hospitality in the Odyssey is different from the current day version of it.  The gods influenced greatly how people acted and what they did. People would allow strangers into their homes hoping the gods were watching and would see their kindness. In the current day, hospitality to strangers is not expected as it was back then. Our group shows the many different cultures that Odysseus got to travel through that shaped him to be the hero that he is portrayed as.  Without these experiences, his journey home would never have been possible.  I feel that even though our main focus was on hospitality, we got too many connections to leadership, gender, and of course the monsters.  I hope our project gave everyone a deeper understanding of some of these characters and parts of their journey.  

Bibliography

Foster the people. Lotus Eater, Zach Heiligman, 27 Apr. 2017.

thehistorianshut. “Odysseus and Nausicaa, Painted By Salvator Rosa (c. 1615-1673) – The Historian’s Hut.” The Historian’s Hut, https://www.facebook.com/thehistorianshut/, 29 Aug. 2021

Odysseus and lotus eaters hi-res stock photography and images – Alamy