The oasis that the caravan visits in The Alchemist certainly abides by the law of hospitality--or as some call it, the guest-host relationship. Guests are expected to obey the rules and regulations of their hosts; and in return, the host will take care of the needs and comforts of the guests. More particularly, this means that the host will provide food, clothing, and shelter, along with all of the amenities they have at their disposal, without asking for money. However, the guest must do whatever is asked of them by their host.
Specific rules of this oasis are explained as follows:
"The group was to remain there at the oasis until the conflict between the tribes was over. Since they were visitors, they would have to share living space with those who lived there, and would be given the best accommodations. This was the law of hospitality. Then he asked that everyone, including his own sentinels, hand over their arms to the men appointed by the tribal chieftains"(88).
In this situation, the culture in the oasis is unique because the people are mostly women and children. The tribesmen obeyed the rules of war and left the oasis alone so women and children were kept safe and it could be left as a neutral area.
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