There are
several Greek values shown in 's epic, .
First is the
custom of extending hospitality to a guest. This is a rule found in many ancient cultures (e.g.,
the Anglo Saxons, the Greeks, etc.) and passed down through the ages, and its importance is seen
in literature, e.g., Beowulf, Macbeth.
To the ancient Greeks, hospitality was a divine right. The host was
expected to make sure the needs of his guests were seen to.
One of the reasons that Macbeth's murder of Duncan was so shameful in Shakespeare's
Macbeth is because Duncan was enjoying Macbeth's hospitality, and so, too,
his protection.
The rules of hospitality also required certain behavior on
the part of the guest.
...guests also had
responsibilities, beyond reciprocating hospitality.
In
the story of Odysseus, the suitors break the rules of behavior expected of guests. They stay
much too long, imposing on Penelope, especially in that her husband is not there to force the
men to be respectful and take their leave....
No comments:
Post a Comment