In an answer of approximately 100 words explain why Homer has the character of Penelope insist that the beggar sit next to her son Telemachus. What effect would this have on the audience?

In my opinion, Penelope not only wants to offer hospitality to the stranger (as ancient Greeks always kept in mind that gods liked to disguise), but she also wants to restore last bits of order by symbolically placing the beggar, as a guest, next to her son. The beggar is being abused and kicked by the suitors, so this act means that she is still the hostess and young Telemachus the host, and their word is what matters. Also, the beggar is dirty, old and in tatters, while the suitors are young, rich, nicely dressed, noble - but still none of them is given the honor of sitting next to Telemachus. This would probably have the effect of putting the suitors down because of their impudence.