‘Treppie does not like guests’: Xenia in Marlene van Niekerk’s Triomf

Abstract

This article investigates aspects of xenia or guest relationships – which forms a central aspect of Homer’s Odyssey – in Marlene van Niekerk’s novel Triomf. Hospitality and the lack thereof form the basis of several scenes in the novel. Examples include the visit of the agents canvassing for the National Party before the elections, the Jehovah’s witnesses, the AWB recruiters, as well as Lambert’s interaction with Sonnyboy and Mary. The latter scene in particular corresponds closely to the guidelines for proper hospitality as delineated by Homer.