Values In The Phaeacian Societ
The Importance of Values In The Phaeacian SocietyThe Phaeacian society's values are what the basis of what their civilized community is built on. In Robert Fagles translation of The Odyssey by Homer, there are numerous references made to what kind of values are held by the Phaeacian society. In book VI, as well as the rest of the books, there are examples of how the societies values provide structure, regulation, and rules for the culture to live by. It is evident in the writing, not only directly, but also indirectly, such as people's responses and reactions to certain activities or words.One of the most important and easily recognizable values of the Phaeacian society is hospitality. Throughout the book, there are numerous examples of the importance of hospitality to the culture. The encounter between Odysseus and Nausicaa is a perfect display of what great extents one is expected to go to provide a guest, especially a stranger, with superb hospitality. Nausicaa is well trained in her manners, and very well she should be, the daughter of a king. She is representing her family, and reflects this when she tells her maidens, "here's an unlucky wanderer strayed our way and we must tend him well.... So, quick, my girls,
There are of course differences between the royalty and lower class, but as illustrated in book VI they also interact in activities as equals. History has proven time and again, that when no government is present, not only is there a sort of chaos, but also there are no advancements made to the society. The king not only provided her with a cart and mules to carry the laundry, but also saw to it that Nausicaa and her maidens would have food to eat while they were out. It represents their level of civility and refinement in their culture. Nausicaa and the maidens went as one, down to the riverbanks to wash their clothes. When Nausicaa invites Odysseus back to her home, she makes certain that she is not seen in public with him, since it isn't proper for a women to be seen with a man in public before marriage. While Nausicaa and her maidens were out by the riverbank, they viewed their chore of washing almost as if it wasn't a chore at all. Off you go, and the men will harness a wagon, the tall one with the good smooth wheels, fitted out with a cradle on top" (VI.
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