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.)