CLA 010B_Aristophaness_Lysistrata

Page 33 Notes

Key Themes

Spartan Culture: The text reflects the celebration and reverence of Spartan customs, such as dance and the worship of deities.
Literary Allusions: References to mythological characters and places (e.g., Athene, Helen, and Tyndareus) indicate a rich mythological context.

Important Characters

Laconian Muse: Invoked to inspire the celebration, indicative of the importance of muses in Greek culture.
Helen of Troy: Mentioned as a symbol of purity and beauty, countering the narrative of her infidelity.
Athena: Served as the center of worship in the context of this hymn.

Notable Imagery

Nature and Dance: The passage highlights imagery of blossoming girls and lively dances, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Frolicking and Whirling: Descriptions of youthful exuberance and playfulness symbolize the zest for life in Spartan culture.

Cultural Significance

Thesmophoria Festival: A festival honoring Demeter and Persephone, celebrating the season of growth and fertility, providing a link to agricultural practices in Spartan society.
Group Dynamics: The collective call for dance indicates a strong sense of community and togetherness in cultural practices.

In Aristophanes’ comedy "Lysistrata," the debate on whether it can be considered feminist hinges on the portrayal of its central female character, Lysistrata, and her actions within the social and cultural context of ancient Greece. Feminism, as defined by bell hooks, emphasizes the equality of all people, asserting that feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. In this context, we can evaluate the comedic elements and character dynamics in "Lysistrata" to discern how it aligns with or contradicts feminist ideals.

Feminist Elements of Lysistrata

Empowerment of Women: Lysistrata serves as a powerful female protagonist who orchestrates a sex strike among the women of Greece, compelling their husbands to negotiate peace. This act of defiance demonstrates the capability of women to organize and influence political affairs, undermining traditional gender roles. For instance, she boldly states, “We’ll get the men to obey us, because they’ll be desperate” (p. 450). This leadership role directly challenges the notion that women are passive or incapable of affecting societal change.
Solidarity Among Women: The play emphasizes the unity and collective strength of women. By banding together for a common cause, the women demonstrate solidarity, indicative of feminist principles. The chorus of women expresses their resolve, saying, “We’ll stand by each other; we’ll be loyal and true” (p. 452). This camaraderie undermines the division often seen in patriarchal societies, illustrating the potential for women to unite against oppression.
Satirical Commentary on Gender Roles: Through humor and satire, Aristophanes critiques the rigid expectations placed on women. The exaggerated portrayal of the men's desperation in the face of the women's strike humorously illustrates how gender roles can be subverted. The men are reduced to ridiculousness, highlighting the absurdity of male dominance, such as when they lament their inability to yield to their wife’s demands for peace (p. 455).

Non-Feminist Elements of Lysistrata

Reinforcement of Traditional Gender Roles: Despite her assertiveness, Lysistrata and her comrades ultimately operate within a framework that upholds traditional gender roles. The women’s primary motivation for instigating the strike is to regain their husbands' attentions and restore domestic harmony. As Lysistrata explains, “Our whole purpose is to ensure our men come home to us soon” (p. 459). This narrative suggests that women's liberation is tied to their relationships with men rather than a broader quest for autonomy.
Sexual Objectification: The play often focuses on the women's sexuality as a bargaining chip, reflecting a view that reduces their agency to their sexual relationships with men. For example, the men frequent suggestive comments about the women’s bodies, which may undermine the empowerment initially portrayed by Lysistrata. The use of sexual coercion as a weapon for peace perpetuates a commodified view of female sexuality that contradicts feminist ideals of autonomy and respect (p. 462).
Outcome and Message: The resolution of the play returns to traditional societal norms, wherein women gain influence not through systemic change but by leveraging their roles as wives. When peace is finally achieved, it ironically centers around the reinstatement of marital relations rather than a lasting societal impact. The conclusion implies that female empowerment is contingent on male approval and returning to the status quo, complicating the notion of true female liberation (p. 465).

Conclusion

In evaluating the extent to which "Lysistrata" can be considered feminist, it becomes evident that the play embodies both feminist and non-feminist elements. While Lysistrata’s leadership and the women’s solidarity present a progressive critique of gender norms, the reliance on traditional roles, sexual objectification, and the eventual return to societal norms dilute its feminist implications. Furthermore, the comedy genre and its historical context influenced Aristophanes' portrayal, leading to a multifaceted narrative that reflects the complexities of gender dynamics in ancient Athens. Therefore, while "Lysistrata" can be viewed as a pioneering work in its depiction of female agency, it simultaneously reflects the limitations of its time, making the answer to its feminist standing nuanced and open to interpretation.

The quoted line "What we are going to have to forgo is–penis (p.425)" from Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" reflects a feminist theme as it showcases the women's refusal to comply with traditional gender expectations and the assertion of their autonomy. In the context of the play, this statement indicates that the women are willing to sacrifice their sexual relationships with men as a form of protest to gain influence and call for peace. This act of abstaining from sex serves as a powerful statement against the male-dominated society, illustrating how women can leverage their sexuality to instigate change rather than remain passive. It empowers women by enabling them to take control of their bodies and their relationships, thus challenging the conventional power dynamics of their time.

In this passage from Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," a strategic turn is presented as Lysistrata encourages the women to take decisive action against the men. The dialogue reflects a sense of urgency and determination among the women as they plan to support their comrades on the Acropolis by barricading the gates. Lysistrata's fearless attitude exemplifies her role as a leader, asserting that whatever threats the men may pose, they are ready to confront them. The arrival of the men's chorus, portrayed as old and shabby, symbolizes the decline of male authority and adds to the comedic undertone of the play. Their slow, shambling dance, carrying logs, unlit torches, and live coals, further accentuates the contrast between the proactive women and the passive men, portraying the latter as a less formidable force. This moment underscores the themes of female empowerment and the subversion of traditional gender roles as the women refuse to be intimidated and stand firm in their resolve to take control of the situation.

In this passage from Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," Lysistrata demonstrates resolve as she encourages the women to take action against the men by joining their comrades on the Acropolis to barricade the gates. Despite Calonice's concerns about a potential attack from the men, Lysistrata shows defiance, indicating a willingness to confront threats. This highlights the themes of female empowerment and active resistance against male authority. The contrast is further emphasized with the entry of the men's chorus, depicted as old and shabby, carrying burdens that symbolize their diminished power, thus reinforcing the women's determination and strength in the face of adversity.