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The Power of Women in Lysistrata and Medea

            Both Euripides' tragedy, Medea and Aristophanes' comedy, Lysistrata showcase women facing incredibly difficult situations at the hands of their husbands. Medea and Lysistrata both exhibited extraordinary strength in very different manners. They each proved that women may have to be creative but ultimately could achieve the goals they set out to attain. Lysistrata faced with a twenty year Peloponnesian war that took her husband as well as most men away from Athens. Frustrated and ready to take a stand, she called a meeting of women, both friend and enemy, who all shared this common interest in salvaging Greece from the relentless war. Since women had no political power, Lysistrata was creative in exerting the actual power of women. The common denominator that they all shared was that their husbands desired sexual relations. Withholding sex, seizing the Acropolis and access to money to fund the war were Lysistrata's .
             proposal: .
             "Today we occupy the citadel.
             This is the mission of the senior squad.
             While we confer here, they've gone up to fake.
             A sacrifice and storm the Acropolis. (Lysistrata p. 831; 175-179).
             The women unite to do what is necessary to end the war by abstaining from sex until the men would agree to end the war in a ceremonial pledge being led by Lysistrata:.
             "Grip the bowl's rim, Lampito, and the rest,.
             One of you, speak for all, repeat my words,.
             Then everybody else confirms the oath." (Lysistrata p. 832; 209-211).
             Lysistrata has them agree not to have sex with their spouse but to dress in a way as to tease them sexually until they fold and stop the war. Even as her friend questions whether the men will find out gang up on them, Lysistrata says:.
             "To hell with them.
             They can't make threats or fires fierce enough.
             These doors stay shut. We only open arm them.
             On those exact conditions, we've set down" (Lysistrata.833; 248-251) .
             Lysistrata reveals her strength throughout the play by sticking to the plan and managing the other women to do the same.


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