Feminism in Lysistrata Essay

Lysistrata: A Feminists Approach

Behind every great man in power often resides a great woman; a statement proven true in Aristophanes Lysistrata. Set in ancient Greece during times of great turmoil and despair, women are depicted as the catalyst for change in this literary work. The role women in this play combine to create a literal manifestation of Lysistratas name which translates to the disbandment of the military. Although men are the sole benefactors to power in this play, we see a direct impact brought forth by female leadership, the transformation of the role of women, and the shift of power from men to women in the political realm.

Generated from the spark of emotion, the essential counterpart of mans logic, Lysistrata forms a plot to cease this war and return their children to their great nation. She is able to convince a diverse group of women ranging from Spartan, Peloponnesian, and Bocotian to a vow of celibacy in lieu of stopping a war that has been perpetually tormenting their people for ages. Through the leadership and determination of Lysistrata comes an anti-war movement started by only a few. They drink wine, regarding a matriarchal symbol referencing a womans menstruation, to vow resistance and refrain from their husbands needs until they agree a peace treaty. Although many of the women initially are hesitant to sacrifice something they too desire, they however do comply with the concerns of their society in mind much like many other great male leaders have done throughout history. By bonding together, they are able to prey on the weaknesses of their husbands who must lay with them every night.

It is through this advantage in which women are propelled to a position of power. Instead of the stereotypical subservient women traditionally thought of during these times, these women cleverly manipulate their roles in the household to parallel the role of cleaning the mess created by their male counterparts. The women still conform to their roles that are ideal to men by suggesting the similarity of untangling the war and its errors to a spool of yarn. Lysistrata and the other women out-wit the men and therefore gain the upper hand. By the conclusion of the play, the roles are almost reversed: The men are begging for physical gratification whereas the women are more concerned of their political peace agenda.

This shift from a patriarchal society to a matriarchal society grants peace throughout the land and happiness and freedom is won. Lysistrata runs a victory lap probably to the content mood of Nike. In the conclusion of the play when all has been mediated, and all have returned safely, they celebrate by drinking and singing in praise of the gods. It is assumed that the men believe they regained their power, and that this moment of celebration is somehow linked to their achievement. But it is here which their folly lays. Men, often arrogant, speculate on their advancement and give unjust credit to bridge the voids of their success. And it is the women who notice this and act as queens while they move their men like pawns using their rationalization as fuel in the places of power. Manipulative indeed, but the ends justify the means.

As it has unfolded, and will continue to unfold, women play a major role in politics whether it is seen or not. Still evident in contemporary life, women are gaining more and more power as time progresses. A great man must answer to an even greater woman and even the greatest man cannot resist a womans touch. Aristophanes Lysistrata does a beautiful job at illustrating the direct impact brought forth by female leadership, the transformation of the role of women, and the shift of power from men to women in the political realm.