The Odyssey: Hospitality Essays Learn From Your Own Writing

Introductions What makes a good introduction? Start with the general—don’t give away too much in the beginning, make your reader want to read on Be specific about your argument, what side are you arguing for? Give specific names of characters for the text

Sample Introduction #1 When a person enters someone’s home for the first time, his or her first impression is based off of the homeowner’s hospitality. If the host shows respect and care for the guest, the guest will feel appreciated. If the host shows disrespect or inconsideration, the guest will have a bad impression of the host. In Greek mythology, showing good hospitality was an important value to their culture. However, some creatures, like the Cyclopes, completely disregarded this custom.

Sample Introduction #2 There are many hospitality rules that the Greeks, including Odysseus, expect from all people. The Cyclopes breaks many of the rules or “laws” of hospitality. Instead he treats them poorly, and he also doesn’t meet the expectations for hospitality that Odysseus sets for him. The Greeks have several laws that were broken while Odysseus and his men were with Polyphemus.

Sample Introduction #3 Hospitality is applied in many ways to The Odyssey. In the story of the Cyclopes, there is a lack of hospitality; by both Odysseus and the Cyclopes. The examples are when Odysseus barges into Polyphemus’ house and starts eating food and when Odysseus offers gifts and a feast and Polyphemus denies it.

Sample Introduction #4 Hospitality is the friendly or kind way that guests are welcomed into a stranger’s home or country. Hospitality is something that has been a tradition in many cultures throughout the world in the past, as well as the present. During the time period of The Odyssey, the Greek’s custom was to show hospitality to anyone who entered their homes under friendly circumstances. The Greeks considered hospitality to be a major part of being a civilized society, so it was important for them to follow this custom. They even believed that the gods desired hospitality to be shown. Throughout the various challenges in The Odyssey, there are examples of hospitality being ignored and instances where hospitality is being shown.

Thesis Statements All thesis statements for papers of literary analysis should include 2 things: 1. The title of the literary work that you are analyzing. 2. Your specific stance on the topic. The thesis statement is where you narrow your topic to your specific point of focus. The thesis statement should be located at the end of your introduction.

Thesis Statement #1 In The Odyssey there are multiples examples of hospitality being handed out freely and being expected.

Thesis Statement #2 There are several examples of hospitality, but the most recognizable examples are that of the Cyclopes and the Lotus-Eaters.

Thesis Statement #3 The Odyssey mirrors this concept through the travels of Odysseus and the people, gods, and nymphs he meets.

Thesis Statement #4 Hospitality is shown throughout this book because without hospitality, Odysseus would not be able to make his way home.

Thesis Statement #5 The Odyssey, a classic piece of Greek literature, relates to the use of hospitality in many ways; specifically how Odysseus obeys and disobeys the common law of hospitality in his travels.

Quote Inclusion Choose quotes that support your argument Avoid lengthy quotes when possible—only include what is necessary to support your point. Avoid summarizing quotes—instead analyze their importance to your argument and the text you are writing about. Follow rules of parenthetical documentation (Authors last name and page #).

Quote #1 “Here we stand, beholden for your help, or any gifts you give-as custom is to honor strangers. We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the gods’ courtesy; Zeus will avenge the unoffending guest” (Homer 989). Odysseus expects to be treated well, as he is accustom to. Hospitality is a form of politeness to the Greek gods and goddesses.

Quote #2 “…He kept Apollo’s holy grove at Ismarus; for kindness we showed him there, and showed his wife and child, he gave me seven shining golden talents…” (Homer 987). This proves that if in Greece one showed kindness when one was a guest, the host rewarded you.

Quote #3 “We Cyclopes care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss; we have more force by far” (Homer 989). Polyphemus, as well as the other Cyclopes, do not believe in the decrees of the gods because their own have been shunned from all civilization, the gods must not be real. They have neither beauty, nor talents, so the gods must be false prophets since they have not blessed them.

Other Helpful Reminders Use present tense when writing about literature. Use 3rd person when writing about literature. Avoid summary of the text, rather express your opinions and analyze the text. Avoid dead words (i.e. just, very, really, etc.)