CLA 010B_Aristophanes's_Lysistrata

Overview of Lysistrata

  • Production: Lysistrata was produced by Callistratus in early spring of 411 B.C., likely during the Lenaea festival.

  • Context: This play follows Aristophanes' previous works, particularly the last being Birds. Its reception and whether it won any prize remain unknown.

  • Historical Context: It was a tumultuous period for Athens, characterized by the disastrous Sicilian invasion, which led to the loss of a fleet, military forces, and financial resources. Meanwhile, Sparta threatened Athens, and many allies began to defect.

Themes

  • Critique of War: Aristophanes, through humorous and serious tones, critiques the corruption and absurdity of war. He presents a comedic perspective with a thought-provoking slant that encourages audiences to contemplate the implications of ongoing conflicts.

  • Female Empowerment: The play revolves around women's roles in society and their potential influence on war and peace through the assertion of their desires and needs, specifically denying sexual access to their husbands as a form of protest against war. The play revolves around women's roles in society and their potential influence on war and peace through the assertion of their desires and needs, specifically denying sexual access to their husbands as a form of protest against war. This act is a feminist statement as it empowers women to take control of their lives and bodies, challenging the traditional patriarchal norms that dictate women's subservience. By organizing collectively to use their sexuality as a form of political leverage, the women exemplify how solidarity can lead to significant societal change, emphasizing the importance of female agency and the ability to influence outcomes traditionally dominated by men.

Characters

  • Lysistrata: The protagonist, a young Athenian wife; her name connotes "demobilizer."

  • Calonice: Another young Athenian wife, characterized by her flirtatious and bold nature.

  • Myrrhine: Young Athenian wife, significant to the plot regarding men’s desires and her husband Cinesias.

  • Lampito: A robust Spartan wife; represents the female voice from Sparta and speaks in a dialect that contrasts with Athenian character speech.

  • Cinesias: Myrrhine's husband; represents the desperate male wanting sexual solace.

  • Magistrate: Represents the male authority figure in Athens, who underestimates the women’s power.

  • Choruses: Include men's chorus (old Athenian men) and women’s chorus (middle-aged and elderly Athenian women).

Plot Summary

  • Lysistrata devises a plan where women deny men sexual relations as retaliation against the war, aiming to force a cessation of hostilities. This involves taking over the Acropolis to gain control of war funds.

  • The play opens with a distressed Lysistrata frustrated over the absence of her fellow women in a crucial meeting to discuss the war.

  • As the assembly of women gathers, Lysistrata reveals her strategic plan and rallies them together against their husbands.

  • Initially resistant, women express their longing for their husbands and the challenges that come with abstaining from sex. Lysistrata recognizes their struggle and urges them to unite for a greater cause.

  • Scenes develop as husbands become desperate for their wives, leading to comedic exchanges filled with double entendres and sexual innuendos, illustrating the significant power reversal.

  • Eventually, both the Spartan and Athenian men show signs of harassment and distress due to the denial of sexual access. The negotiation of peace becomes inevitable as both parties, led by their respective female counterparts, face overwhelming desires.

  • Resolution: The play culminates in the establishment of a truce where both delegations from Sparta and Athens agree to peace, resulting in a celebratory reunion between husbands and wives.

Key Takeaways

  • The play utilizes comedic relief to address serious themes of war, gender dynamics, and power.

  • Aristophanes combines erotic humor with deep societal commentary, analyzing the intersections of sexuality, politics, and conflict resolution in ancient Athens.

  • Lysistrata's tactic emphasizes the strength and influence that women can exert in a patriarchal society, leading them to reclaim agency over personal and communal well-being.

  1. Women's Unity and Solidarity: The central premise of the play revolves around women coming together to oppose the war. Lysistrata states, "We’ll swear in front of the goddess and our oath will be a pledge" (p. 451), showcasing the commitment of women to unite for a common cause, emphasizing their collective strength.

  2. Sexual Agency: The play highlights women's control over their sexuality as a form of power. Myrrhine playfully uses her attractiveness as leverage, as shown when she says, "I’ll go to him and toy with him, to keep him wanting me and begging for it" (p. 455). This illustrates women's capacity to influence men by controlling access to sex.

  3. Critique of Male Authority: Throughout the play, male characters often underestimate the women’s capabilities. When the Magistrate exclaims, "What, are these women going to decide our fate?" (p. 460), it underscores the prevailing patriarchal attitudes that Lysistrata and her peers actively challenge, proving that women can indeed assert their influence in a male-dominated society.

Yes, 'Lysistrata' can be considered a feminist play. It highlights female empowerment by portraying women as pivotal characters who exert power and influence over men through their sexuality and collective action. The play critiques patriarchal structures and emphasizes women's unity and solidarity against war, showcasing their ability to drive significant change in a male-dominated society.