Every nation has own traditions and customs, but what really makes people well- known in every part of the word, is their hospitality and pleasant attitude to the guests. Nowadays and in the ancient times the tradition of hospitality was understood differently by individuals because each country had their own treatment and rules towards this concept. Many brilliant authors have depicted the theme of hospitality in their novels or stories, including Homer and his the best work, called Odyssey.
First of all, the author in his ninth book tried to show us that some people or better to say “ the Cicons” were not familiar with the concept of hospitality at all. These creatures did not know anything about the labor or the rules, not mentioning the etiquette. All they did was take care of goats. On reaching the island, Ulysses asked the Cyclops : “We therefore humbly pray you to show us some hospitality, and otherwise make us such presents as visitors may reasonably
expect”( Homer, 106). Therefore, the Cyclops was not hospitable at all. The Ulysses’ friends thought of stealing the food from the giant but Ulysses denied, because he was sure that these mighty creatures must have another attitude to hospitality and what they needed just to wait.
In addition, Ulysses was bred accordingly and the idea of stealing something frightened him. Ulysses mentioned : “When they saw all this, my men begged me to let them would then return, drive down the lambs and kids, put them on board and sail away with them. It would have been indeed better if we had done so but I would not listen to them, for I wanted to see
the owner himself, in the hope that he might give me a present”(Homer,106). But, the present turned out to be unpleasant, as a cruel giant considered them as food and had no intention to be a guest. So Ulysses was forced to invent a way to get out of the cave. By this example, the author illustrates us that the expectation of hospitality may turn out to have bad consequences.
What is more, the giant wanted to trick Ulysses by inviting him back and stating that he has reconsidered his behavior, which was not true. If the person does not receive the visitors well, he gets exactly the same treatment instead.
All things considered, the hospitality is not simply a well treatment towards people, it also seizes the concept of respect, as well as the person’s breeding.
Works cited
Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Samuel Butler. Orange Street Press Classics, 1998.Print.
