Final answer:
The text from Lucian's 'On the Dependent Philosopher' suggests a commentary on the fickleness of patronage in ancient society, where newer guests at dinner are favored and a previously honored guest is neglected, illustrating the philosopher's social insecurity and the capricious nature of status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage from Lucian's On the Dependent Philosopher describes the plight of a dependant, likely a philosopher, who finds himself displaced by a succession of guests at dinner, all of whom receive better treatment. This reflects the patron-client relationship and societal norms of the era, where favor and status were volatile commodities. The Portokalos' motivations for inviting a different man to dinner every night are not explicitly stated in the passages provided; however, it is implied that the main character feels the capricious whim of his host determines his fluctuating status and treatment during these meals, suggesting a commentary on social or philosophical dynamics of the time.
In these social settings, newer guests are given preference, while those that have become overly familiar, like our main character, are relegated to obscurity. This scenario highlights the transient nature of social favor and the inherent insecurity felt by those who relied on the whims of their patrons for status and sustenance. It also underscores the competitive and often humiliating conditions under which philosophers and others seeking patronage had to operate.