Written during the war, a time of chaos and crisis in Greece, Aristophanes" play Lysistrata was an attempt to lighten the atmosphere of the country, and provide humor for the people. In my opinion, the comedy was produced for entertainment value, exaggerating and making fun of the actions of both genders. This piece emphasizes the way women use their sexuality and femininity to get their way, while, at the same time, exemplifying the aggressive, stubbornness of men.
In the opening scene, when Lysistrata is explaining her plan to the other women, Aristophanes shows the way females use their femininity and sexuality to gain power. They are going to "sit around all prettied up in flowers and scandalous saffron-yellow gowns, groomed- .
I do not think that Lysistrata was, in any way, a threat to the hierarchy of the government because at that time, females were looked upon as merely sex objects, with no political power. This play is written more about the difference in gender and social roles, rather than the political issues. Aristophanes focused much more on the interaction between the men and women, rather than political or government views. .
Another interesting idea throughout the piece was the words Aristophanes used to describe each gender. The words used when talking about the males were masculine, physical words, while he describes the women as attractive and more passive. For example, the male's lines include words such as "rescued", trudge", "noise", and "drive these crowbars." The women describe themselves with words such as "skins well creamed", "transparent negligee", "smooth", and "perfume". .
One question I found myself wondering throughout the play is "who is in control, or who has the upper-hand"? Although it looks like the males are more powerful and physically fit, the women used what they had to get what they wanted. I think the females were actually in control the whole time, because they bonded together to scheme and used their intelligence and their sexuality (which was all they had in those days) to gain leverage over the men.
Knowing their physical limitations, the women decide on a plan of attack that is lead by Lysistrata. Lysistrata is the mastermind and director of the action in Lysistrata. ... Lysistrata proved to be an influential leader to the women. ... Lysistrata is very different from her female counterparts. ... The Chorus in Lysistrata is split into two, the Chorus of Men and the Chorus of Women. ...
Knowing their physical limitations, the women decide on a plan of attack that is lead by Lysistrata. Lysistrata is the mastermind and director of the action in Lysistrata. ... Lysistrata proved to be an influential leader to the women. ... Lysistrata is very different from her female counterparts. ... The Chorus in Lysistrata is split into two, the Chorus of Men and the Chorus of Women. ...
Lysistrata Lysistrata is a play written in 411 BC by Aristophanes, who was a satirist. ... Lysistrata is probably the oldest comedy which has retained a place in modern theatre. ... In Lysistrata, Lysistrata defies the system of the oikos as represented as sex and attacks the privilege of war. ... Therefore, Lysistrata is defined as a woman who enters the world of the man and conquers it. ... Lysistrata is a reactionary, she wishes to preserve the way things were. ...
After reading Lysistrata, it is very obvious that it is a "Brillo pad comedy" aimed at reforming Greek society. ... It is Lysistrata who is the only one with any resolution and she is summoned by the chorus with the words, "All hail, O manliest woman of all!" ... Aristophanes was using the women and using the dialog of Lysistrata to get his point across. ... Lysistrata's speeches such as the one from line 650 to 670 give Aristophanes" specific instructions to the Greek leaders. ... Perhaps even more enlightening are Lysistrata's words regarding Greeks and Spartans on lines 1267-12...
This form was used in the play, Lysistrata, to illustrate this point. ... Lysistrata taking this role as a commander is not characteristic of women during this era. ... The story of Lysistrata contains other elements of comedy other than the pessimistic view. ... The reader gets to understand that Lysistrata is powerful, intelligent, and dedicated but never a reality of why Lysistrata is that way? ... The story of Lysistrata is an excellent example of Greek comedy for the reasons listed. ...
Lysistrata Aristophanes was a comedy poet in the fourth century B.C. ... Lysistrata was schooled in the traditional fashion, by learning from older men. ... Like the heroines of tragedy, Lysistrata wants to put things back to the way they were. ... His catalyst was Lysistrata, feminist champion over war through peace. ... In the opening scenes of the play Lysistrata says "I'm furious with women and womankind. ...
Lysistrata By Aristophanes We can force our husbands to negotiate Peace, Ladies, by exercising steadfast Self Control- By Total Abstinence.......Total Abstinence from SEX! ... This group of girls, lead by Lysistrata, decided to not allow their husbands to have sex with them until they came home for good and stopped the war. ... Lysistrata held a meeting to give the women their plans. ... Eventually they are persuaded and they agree with Lysistrata. ... Lysistrata is a strong woman, a very strong woman. ...
The reader cannot help but smile when Lysistrata demands the women repeat the oath: "To husband or lover I"ll not open my thighs though he bring proof-of-love of monstrous size" (Lysistrata 260-264). ... "Lysistrata," demonstrates the depth of loathing for the war that was prevalent throughout Athens after the ruinous campaign to Sicily. ... Lysistrata's scheme to force the men of Greece to the peace table could never have been successful. ... Lysistrata does not cry for the loss of "women's way" but instead encourages the other women to use, literally, their sex as a weapon. ... ...
