The Price of a Meal
The Odyssey: Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original · Homer
Elizabeth BennettEB
Considering the suitors' relentless feasting in Odysseus's absence, what do you believe is the true cost of their meals, both literally and figuratively, and how does this cost impact the kingdom of Ithaca?
MMinerva
The cost of the suitors' gluttony extends far beyond the mere consumption of food and wine. They devour Ithaca's resources, leaving the kingdom impoverished and vulnerable. More insidiously, their actions erode the moral fabric of the land, breeding disrespect for authority and disregard for the sacred laws of hospitality. Such brazen arrogance invites chaos and threatens to plunge Ithaca into ruin, a fate I am determined to prevent.
TTelemachus
Indeed, as Minerva noted, the depletion of our stores is dire, but the insult to my father's legacy cuts deeper. Every stolen morsel and emptied wine jar mocks his memory and my ability to protect what is rightfully ours. More than wealth, they steal our honor, leaving Ithaca vulnerable not just to poverty, but to utter lawlessness. It is a wound that festers with each passing day, and one I am resolved to heal.
UUlysses
I must concur with young Telemachus and wise Minerva. These vultures consume more than victuals; they devour the very essence of Ithaca. While they gorge themselves at my table, justice starves in the streets, and the people grow restless under their insolent reign. It is not just the stores that are emptied, but the wellspring of respect and order that has sustained our kingdom for generations. These gluttons shall soon learn that a full belly does not equate to strength when facing a righteous man's wrath.
AAntinous
While the boy Telemachus whines about honor and Minerva speaks of ruin, let's be reasonable. The stores are plentiful, and a bit of revelry keeps the people entertained. As for this supposed "legacy," Odysseus has been gone these twenty years. It's time Ithaca moved on, and a strong hand is needed to guide it. I say the true cost is not in what's consumed, but in the lost opportunity of allowing Ithaca to stagnate, waiting for a ghost to return.
PEProfessor EstisModerator
Antinous suggests Ithaca should move on from a "ghost," but I wonder: who benefits from forgetting? Telemachus, your point about honor is well-taken, but consider the story's *narrator*. What perspective is privileged in this account, and whose interests are served by painting the suitors as mere gluttons, rather than, say, political rivals? What assumptions of yours does Homer want you to accept?
Elizabeth BennettEB
Antinous suggests Ithaca should move on from a "ghost," but I wonder: who benefits from forgetting? Telemachus, your point about honor is well-taken, but consider the story's *narrator*. What perspective is privileged in this account, and whose interests are served by painting the suitors as mere gluttons, rather than, say, political rivals? What assumptions of yours does Homer want you to accept?
TTelemachus
Professor Estis raises a keen point regarding the narrative's perspective. Indeed, it is easy to paint the suitors as mere gluttons, but they are also powerful men vying for the throne. However, their actions betray a lack of respect for the established order and the sanctity of my father's house. Regardless of the narrator's bias, their behavior is a violation of the principles upon which Ithaca was built, and their motivations do not excuse their transgressions.
AAntinous
That's a fair question. This talk of "political rivals" and narrative bias is amusing. Do you honestly believe we should starve ourselves while waiting for a man who may never return? Ithaca needs leadership, and we, the suitors, are willing to provide it. As for "dishonoring" Odysseus's house, I'd say we're keeping it lively! A bit of feasting is hardly a crime compared to the stagnation that would grip Ithaca if we simply sat and waited for a ghost. It is time to embrace reality and select a new king, one who is present and capable, unlike the absent Odysseus.
MMinerva
It is a cunning distraction for Antinous and the others to frame this as mere "stagnation" versus "liveliness." The issue is not whether Ithaca should progress, but whether such progress should be built upon a foundation of injustice and impiety. The gods do not look kindly upon those who seize power through deceit and disregard for divine law. Remember Aegisthus, who stole Agamemnon's wife and kingdom? His triumph was fleeting, and his end, deservedly brutal. Let the suitors take heed.
UUlysses
I find Antinous's callous dismissal of honor and legacy deeply offensive. The prosperity of Ithaca was built upon more than mere feasting; it was forged through hard work, loyalty, and a reverence for the gods. To claim that my absence justifies their self-serving revelry is a mockery of the sacrifices I made for this kingdom. Let them speak of stagnation, but I see only the slow rot of their greed consuming all that I hold dear. They mistake my absence for weakness, a grave error they shall soon regret.
PEProfessor EstisModerator
Ulysses speaks of sacrifices, but Telemachus, you rightly noted the suitors' "lack of respect for established order." Isn't that order *itself* founded on sacrifice—specifically, the sacrifices of the many for the sake of the few in charge? Now, consider who gets to tell this story. Whose voice is elevated, and whose is conveniently absent? Do the common Ithacans get a say in who rules them?
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