The White Lotus: A New Season Proposal Inspired by Homeric Allusions in the Television Series

The White Lotus is an award-winning television series about characters staying and working at a fictional hotel and resort chain. In this project, I identified numerous literary allusions present in The White Lotus and took their existence as an invitation to analyze thematic parallels between the television series and Homer’s Odyssey. Through this process, I discovered a shared theme of hospitality, and thus explored the Greek concept of xenia (guest-friendship) in Homer’s work. I also discussed the social commentary about economic privilege in The White Lotus and identified key criteria for a season of the show. Ultimately, all of these measures informed my creation of a new prospective season of the television series which is directly inspired by aspects of Homer’s Odyssey. Completing this project allowed me to think critically about how ancient Greek literary works are applicable to modern society and led me to contemplate both direct and indirect influences of ancient Greek culture in the present day.