The Iliad Essential For Freshman Success By Sam Tufts Essay

Homer’s Iliad: Essential for Freshman Success by Sam Tufts Of the three classical myths read thus far in Classics 2220, the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Trojan Women, Homer’s Iliad should be required reading for incoming OSU freshman because it highlights key elements of the OSU seal’s motto Disciplina in Civitatem, which means Education for Citizenship, including the dangers of a self fulfilling prophecy and the repercussions of one’s actions. While the Odyssey attempts to leave the reader with important lessons in perseverance and loyalty, in reality it demonstrates a selfish character’s single-minded pursuit of personal goals at great cost to everyone around him. Achilles’ choices in the Iliad illustrate how challenges can be approached in different ways as well as the potential ramifications of these choices and the effects of a self-fulfilling prophecy. The lessons in the Iliad are much more applicable to freshman life at OSU. Homerâ€⠄¢s Iliad possesses important life lessons for any person. The Iliad shows the dangers of a self fulfilling prophecy. Achilles is given a prophecy by his mother, Thetis, that he will either die young with great glory or live a long life of mediocrity (9.410). If a person believes they are doomed to fail, it can affect decision-making which can increase the likelihood of the prophecy coming true. After King Agamemnon steals a woman from him, Achilles decides that he will not return to the battle until the Achaeans, Agamemnon’s warriors, come