In Book 4, Telemachus visits the palace of Menelaus and Helen, only to find they are celebrating the weddings of

Homer also explores the theme of hospitality in Book 14, where Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, approaches his old and faithful servant, the swineherd, Eumaeus. As Eumaeus is not rich, and does not have the treasures other grand people possess, all he can offer is what he has. In this case it is bread and a small amount of wine. “When you have had all the bread and wine you want, you shall tell me where you come from and what your troubles are…” (Line 45-47 Book 14). Homer lets the reader know, that even if you are poor, and do not have enough goods to supply to guests, the amount that you give, is still equal to that of a rich mans. Its not the amount and quality of the foods, but the amount you can afford to give. Eumaeus’ politeness and courtesy won Odysseus’ faith in him. Odysseus is grateful for his good manners, and says “…My good host, may Zeus and the other gods grant you your dearest wish for receiving me so kindly.” (Line 53-54 Book 14). Homer really loved Eumaeus, the character he had created. Hospitality can be explored through the rich and through the poor, it doesn’t matter about the amount given to a guest, but by the way they receive it.

Although Homer explores the theme of hospitality in more good ways than bad, he also used bad hospitality frequently. During Book 9, The Cyclops, Odysseus and his men go to the “…land of the Cyclops, a fierce, lawless people who never lift a hand to plant or plough but just leave everything to the immortal gods…but live in hollow caverns in the mountain heights…and nobody has the slightest interest in what his neighbor deicide.” (Lines 106-116 Book 9). Homer explains this book in great detail, so the reader can picture every inch of the island. Odysseus, early morning, told his crew that he would go over to the island of the Cyclops, to see if they were aggressive, hospitable and/or god-fearing people. Odysseus and his crew waited in the Cyclops cavern for the arrival of the giant. The Cyclops spied Odysseus and his men once he had lit a fire, and was astonished that there were strangers in his own home. Homer explores bad hospitality through the Cyclops, as the Cyclops began to ask questions regarding their where about and who they were, without offering

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