Problem
The ancient Greeks felt very strongly about their responsibilities to strangers who came to their door in need. According to the story of Baucis and Philemon, sometimes the gods appear as beggars, just to test humans. If the man takes care of the beggar, he is rewarded. If he turns the beggar away, the gods will punish the man for breaking this important aspect of Greek culture. Other cultures have similar practices in dealing with strangers coming to the door asking for aid. Choose one of the following questions to answer:
• Consider the way the Cyclops treats Odysseus and his men. How does he handle strangers coming to his door? What warning is he given?
• Odysseus later disguises himself as a beggar when he returns to Ithaca. Do you think he was right in doing so? How was he received? Who would have pleased the gods and who would have angered them in the way they treated Odysseus as the beggar? Be detailed in your answers. Make sure you answer all parts of the question you choose.