Overview
Lysistrata, a comedic play by Aristophanes, centers on Athenian and Spartan women who, led by Lysistrata, unite to end the Peloponnesian War by withholding sex from their husbands until peace is achieved.
Foreword and Themes
- Lysistrata is described as Aristophanes’ most unified work, blending aesthetic and emotional elements.
- The play is praised for its focus on femininity, humor, and the celebration of life.
- Its subtle treatment of sexuality and satire of social norms is highlighted as a core strength.
- The foreword argues that the play’s enduring value arises from its passionate engagement with human desires, not just political critique.
Characters and Setting
- Main characters include Lysistrata, Calonice, Myrrhine, Lampito, Stratyllis, various Athenian and Spartan men, and choruses of women and old men.
- The action is set in Athens, particularly at the Acropolis, during the Peloponnesian War.
Initiation of the Women’s Plan
- Lysistrata convenes women from across Greece to devise a strategy to end the war.
- The central plan requires women to withhold sex from their husbands while seizing control of the Acropolis and the city treasury.
- Despite initial reluctance, most women swear an oath to uphold the sex strike for the sake of peace.
Seizure of the Acropolis and Conflict
- The women successfully occupy the Acropolis, controlling the financial resources necessary for war.
- Old men attempt to dislodge the women with fire, but the women fight back with water, escalating the gender-based conflict.
Debate with the Magistrate
- The Magistrate confronts Lysistrata, questioning women’s involvement in state affairs.
- Lysistrata argues women have always managed household finances and are capable of managing state resources for peace.
- The women assert their right to political influence, using domestic analogies to describe untangling war.
Struggles to Maintain the Strike
- Some women weaken and attempt to leave the Acropolis, but Lysistrata persuades them to persist.
- An oracle is cited promising victory if the women avoid infighting and stand united.
Men’s Desperation and Negotiation
- Deprived men grow increasingly desperate and attempt to seduce their wives back.
- Myrrhine teases her husband, Cinesias, but refuses intimacy until peace is negotiated, symbolizing the women’s resolve.
Arrival of Peace Delegations
- A Spartan herald reports that men on both sides suffer from the strike and desire peace.
- Spartan and Athenian envoys arrive, physically showing the effects of abstinence.
- Lysistrata mediates, reminding both sides of past cooperation and shared heritage.
Peace Agreement and Celebration
- Both sides agree to terms after negotiations facilitated by Lysistrata.
- The chorus calls for unity and hosts a celebratory banquet, symbolizing reconciliation.
- The play concludes with joint festivities, dances, and prayers for enduring peace.
Decisions
- Women vow to abstain from sex and seize the Acropolis to force peace negotiations.
- Spartan and Athenian leaders agree to peace after mediation by Lysistrata.
Action Items
- Immediately – Lampito: Spread the women’s initiative to Sparta.
- Immediately – Lysistrata and Athenian women: Maintain occupation of the Acropolis and uphold the oath for peace.
- TBD – Spartan and Athenian envoys: Finalize and celebrate the peace agreement with their respective allies.