In the episode of the Cyclops, Homer comments on the
differences between Greek civilization and the barbaric and monstrous Cyclopes who have
no law.
Odysseus says to
Alcinous:
"We
sailed hence, always in much distress, till we came to the land
of the lawless and inhuman Cyclopes. Now the Cyclopes neither
plant nor plough, but trust in providence, and live on such wheat, barley,
and grapes as grow wild without any kind of tillage, and their wild
grapes yield them wine as the sun and the rain may grow them.
They have no laws nor assemblies of
the people, but live in caves on the tops of high
mountains; each is lord and master in his family, and they take no account of
their neighbours."
We
see that essential to civilization are law and assembly. The Greeks have both, and
their gods have both. But Polyphemus lives alone in his
cave.
Important to keeping Greek society civil is the
guest-host relationship. Greeks prided themselves on being
good hosts: they were expected to take in any guest, and to feed, clothe, and give him
shelter before he even asked his name. In this way, Odysseus expects, as a guest, to be
treated with civility. He expects the owner of the cave to give he and his men cheese
and lamb. When Polyphemus refuses and eats Odysseus' men, Odysseus revenges according
to the guest-host relationship.
He takes revenge on the
giant by getting him drunk. Odysseus turns the tables and plays host, giving the
cyclops wine. This sets the giant to sleep, giving Odysseus time to blind
him.
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