Living in a large American city, we have no difficulty identifying that those in need are all around us. People ask for change on the metro to be able to buy a meal; people hold cardboard signs that read: “Anything helps.” Throughout history, the less fortunate have always existed in society. It is not their presence that has changed, but rather our values ​​as members of society. Of all the people asking for change or a token, how many do we walk past without thinking? Societal expectations for how we view travelers and beggars have changed significantly over time. Xenia, in ancient Greek terminology, refers to the set of customs and values ​​that revolve around hospitality. The ancient Greeks deeply valued hospitality, often offering much more than the bare minimum to those suffering or in need. However, Homer's Odyssey highlights the presence and importance of hospitality in ancient Greece by describing it in contrasting ways. This theme is developed throughout the book. Instances of eminent hospitality and abuse/lack of hospitality are both important to the development of the story's plot and to the lessons it teaches. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay At the beginning of the book, the suitors are introduced. These are men who lazily sow chaos in the house of Telemachus and Penelope, waiting for the day when she will give in and choose to marry one of them. Their presence continues throughout the book until the end, when Odysseus returns to Ithaca and reclaims what once belonged to him. Believing that Odysseus is truly dead, the suitors eat his food and drink his wine. They respect neither his son nor his wife, which prompts Telemachus to seek more information about his father's fate. He says, “If only the gods would give me the strength to take revenge on the suitors for their crushing oppression” (56). The suitors abuse Telemachus' hospitality and invade his life, leading him to pray that the gods give him what he needs to fight back. Also at the beginning of the book, Telemachus meets Menelaus, who welcomes him with great hospitality and warmth?xenia. However, Telemachus must challenge this by demanding honesty regarding his father's fate. “Do not soften it because you pity me and are sorry for me, but tell me honestly everything that your eyes have witnessed” (73). In a way, this pits truth against tact. Hospitality and kindness are present, but must be put aside so that Telemachus can learn what he sets out to learn. Another example of a conflicted Xenia occurs in The Odyssey when traveler Odysseus encounters the Phaiakians, a people who greatly value hospitality. Odysseus meets Nausikka, the Phaiakian princess, for the first time. Although it is a stranger naked and tossed by the sea, she says: "But since it is a poor wanderer who has come to us, we must now take care of him, since all strangers and wanderers are sacred…” (107) She offers him clothes and a bath, then takes him to the palace, where he is offered food and drink even before his identity is called into question. The Phaiakians appreciate visitors and make sure no guest feels unwanted. Hearing his story and learning his true identity, they take a liking to Odysseus and decide to help him return to Ithaca after.