Ancient Greece and Rome: Homer, Odyssey

Ancient Greece and Rome
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Homer, Odyssey 1.144-177
In this context, Athena disguised as a man is talking to Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Notably, Athena convinces Telemachus to act and find information concerning his father’s fate. Telemachus is not happy with his mother’s suitors who have taken over their home and are exploiting his father’s wealth as they wait for Penelope to choose a husband. Consequently, Athena advises Telemachus to take bold steps and seeks his further intel as the gods would support him.
The cultural aspect discussed in this context is the idea of hospitality. In Greek, hospitality is referred to as Xenia and was a crucial aspect of ancient Greek social culture in which the hosts were expected to offer hospitality to their guests by offering food, drinks, and good company. Also, the hosts were expected to offer protection and shelter to their guests. Moreover, guests were expected to act with decency and respect to their hosts. In this context, the guests, who are Penelope's suitors did not act respectfully as they took over the host’s home and consumed their wealth. Further, the suitors did not show respect and gratitude towards the host, which violate...