Compare and contrast the hospitality shown to Telemachus on his journeys to that shown to Odysseus by the Phaeacians. How is it the same? How is it different?
In the book, Telemachus and Odysseus stay at many kings’ houses. Each time they came to a new king’s house they were welcomed in, bathed, fed, and given many gifts. King Menelaus and king Alcinous both gave a decorated cup to their guest as gifts (book 4, line 622 and book 8, line 465). Both were given a feast where they were featured as the guest of honor. Telemachus was welcomed, fed, and bathed without question, however he was not given gifts until he told his name and where he was from. Whereas, Odysseus was given a chest full of gifts before being questioned, but he first had to prove his strength and character (book 8). The Phaeacians gave Odysseus more than Telemachus got from his host because Odysseus did not have as much as Telemachus. Also, while visiting the Phaeacians, Odysseus came in contact with more kings than Telemachus, who provided him with gifts.
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