Iliad Research Paper

In this essay, I will provide two reasons that the Iliad should be included in a required freshman curriculum. The first reason is that the Iliad by Homer helps students critically think about how one's pride and rage can cloud his or her judgment and can ultimately end in death and tragedy. The second reason is to express that every person has the ability to choose his or her own fate and destiny. After making these arguments in two concise paragraphs, I will end by briefly accounting for the citizen identity of each Ohio State University student, based on the seal’s motto Disciplina in Civitatem, “Education for Citizenship”.
In Homer’s Iliad, he exemplifies how the rage and pride of others lead to death and tragedy. Achilles, for example, his rage lead to the death of many Greek and Trojans. When Agamemnon took Achilles’ war prize, Briseis, Achilles’ pride wouldn't allow him to re-enter the battle until the Achaeans, especially Agamemnon, realized that Agamemnon was wrong and that they needed Achilles, this would restore Achilles honor (1, 427-431). Hector pride lead him to his own death. He knew the Achilles would kill him but chose to fight him anyway because of his honor (22, 114-148). From these examples in the Iliad, I conclude that one’s
In book one of the Iliad, Thetis explains how Achilles is destined to either have an early death or misery beyond compare (1, 438-439). Although his destiny was already set, Achilles chose twice what he wanted his fate to be. The first time was when he stated that he was returning home so his life will be long, but his glory is lost in Book 9 (9, 425-429). The second time was when he learned Patroclus died and decided he would re-enter the battle to avenge his fallen friend, fully knowing that he would die if he did (18, 96-98). This example is just one of many that shows how every person has the ability to choose their own