Once upon a time, every educated individual would have had a working knowledge of the great works of literature. Sadly, it is possible today at many schools to graduate from college without having read Homer, Sophocles, Ovid, Dante, or even Shakespeare. That will not be true of you—and that’s a good thing!
While you will not enjoy everything we read (nor will you agree with everything you read), you will, I trust, gain a better understanding of the world and your own personal view of that world by reading classic texts. If you find one text that excites you, your teacher will feel personally gratified and will get a better night’s sleep.
Oedipus solves the riddle of the Sphinx
Oedipus saves the city of Thebes by solving the Sphinx's riddle. In doing so, he becomes king. And yet, in spite of his wisdom, he unwittingly makes possible the oracle of Apollo.