Greek Hospitality: The Oddysey

A detailed Summary of Greek Hospitality: The Oddysey

As one rolls to a halt at a stop light and catches sight of a rugged-looking vagabond, some immediately turn the other way, as if they never saw the beggar, some might simply glimpse at the man in sympathy but immediately assume that the person will squander the money on alcohol or cigarettes, and there's also the few exceptions who will pull some extra change, forgotten at the bottom of a purse or consol and give it to him to avoid uncomfortable stares or perhaps even because of some deep down compelling urge. This sad description, unfortunately is how many Americans treat this situation every day. As we open the gates to a new millennium, our society as Americans can be viewed as prosperous and recovering at incredible speeds from the staggering external blow America took last year on September eleventh. However, it seems that the greater part of Americans have seemed to overlook the incredible, genuine hospitality of Ancient Greeks. A quintessential example of this overwhelming kindness to unknown strangers can easily be discovered in The Odyssey, written by a supposedly blind poet named Homer. This ancient transcript

As a result of the great anger of Poseidon, the god of the sea, Odysseus experiences incredible difficulty voyaging home and might have died or not been able to reach his thresholds if not for the great hospitality of many compassionate men. Even as Odysseus presented his tattered and abused self to the great king Alkinoos, wearing nothing but a robe that his daughter had given him earlier that day, the king graciously welcomed Odysseus into his home and as a guest of honor. Still knowing nothing about this man he had Odysseus sit next to him at his banquet and vowed him safe passage home, however far it may have been, and countless numbers of costly and precious gifts to be loaded onto the ship taking him home. "...we shall put our minds upon the means at hand and take him safely, comfortably, well and happily, with speed, to his own country, distant thought it may lie." This boundless generosity was dealt through the lips of the wealthy leader of the country of the Phaiakians. As this great act was almost expected in the times of Ancient Greece, it is near an impossible occurrence from the leaders of our countries today.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ithaka Odysseus', Ancient Greece, , Ancient Greeks, America September, strangers gods, unknown strangers,

Approximate Word count = 765
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.