minimum 1500 words. Must have title (different than one provided) , thesis, in text citations
In the ancient readings assigned in this class, what lessons do the Ancient Greeks teach us about the importance of personal character in a leader. How does the character of a leader effect the maintenance of a well functioning society and the exercise of effective leadership?
Begin your essay by identifying the qualities of good citizenship and effective leadership which the Ancient Greeks admired. Illustrate the Greek ideas of good citizenship and effective leadership by using the readings assigned in this class to identify and explain the leadership demonstrated by the significant acts and personal characteristics of at least five (5) characters created by Hesiod, Homer, Sophocles and Euripides. How do their actions demonstrate how personal character effects the actions and the effectiveness of good citizens and effective leaders. What can we learn from the ancient Greek ideas about the link between personal character and social order that would help us to judge more clearly the state of our society? Pay most attention to how, in the Greek mind, character affects the style, methods, progress and effectiveness of civilization. Remember: the paradigm of the ancient hero depicts the standard by which good character was defined to the ancient Greeks.
Readings assigned: • Hesiod and Theognis, tr. Dorothea Wender, Homer: The Essential Iliad, tr. Stanley Lombardo, • Euripides I: Four Tragedies , tr. D. Grene & R. Lattimore, • Sophocles I, tr. by D. Grene & R. Lattimore