Aristophanes Lysistrata

Aristophanes’ Lysistrata remains a potent commentary on the role of women in politics. Former Democratic Presidential candidate Lincoln Chaffee, announcing his withdrawal from the nominating race, referenced Lysistrata. “In that play, a group of women, fed up with the war mongering of their husbands, agree to withhold their favors until peace returns. And it worked! …women are more likely to be collaborative and team oriented. It is undeniable the benefits women provide to the pursuit of peace.” A comedic relic from 411 B.C.E. has remained relevant to politics and gender roles across centuries of western representative government. This brief essay will examine how Aristophanes empowers Lysistrata to upend the gender roles in her society and bring peace to Greece. Strikingly, Lysistrata begins her quest by assuming a very masculine stance toward her female allies. They are examined and remarked upon for their beauty, including Lampito from Sparta. As she joins the assembled women Lysistrata remarks, “How well and handsome you look! What a rosy complexion! And how strong you seem, why you could strangle a bull, surely!” Others assembled join in, commenting upon breasts and grooming with Lampito expressing her displeasure, “La! You are feeling me as if a beast for sacrifice!” The strong sexual attention and suggestion is perhaps a ploy …show more content…
Playing on the impression that women are weak in strength and will, innately non-violent, Lysistrata arranges the communal occupation of the Acropolis and withholding sex to encourage Athenian men to sue for peace. This is potentially an even bolder step than the withdrawal of sexual favors. The Acropolis contains the Athenian treasury; these funds are needed to continue the war with Sparta. The magistrate apoplectic with fear exclaims, “It is the treasury that supplies the expenses of war.” To which Lysistrata replies, “That is our first principle—No