Blog 2: Characterization of Lysistrata

Lysistrata does not allow society’s stereotypical restraints to hinder her motives. She believes that if all the women unite, they are capable of ending war. She says the women can contribute to negotiation of peace “By Total Abstinence” (24). This idea is progressive for the time Lysistrata lives in. In that era, women should not involve themselves in political issues. A woman’s job is to “fuss over hubby, wake the maid up, put the baby down, bathe him, feed him…” (17). Lysistrata believes women “have more fundamental business to engage in” (17). This belief is the premise for Lysistrata’s actions. She demonstrates her feminist ideas again when the commissioner encounters her and she states “we’re not slaves; we’re freeborn” (51). Lysistrata is a leader. Not only does she initiate the plan, but also she is strict with her proposal even when Kleonike insists “there’s nothing like [sex], Lysistrata” (26). Lysistrata acts as a mentor for the other women. When she suggests the women wear “those filmy tunics that set off everything we have” (27), she demonstrates her cleverness. She knows showing themselves off to the men, but refusing “entrance from every husband, lover, or casual acquaintance” (32), will leave the men lusting for the women. They will make peace quicker as a result. She manipulates the men to fulfill her goals. Lysistrata reveals her wit when she answers Kleonike’s question, “Suppose they take us by force and drag us off to the bedroom against our wills?”(27). She responds, “be bad sports” (28). Lysistrata understands the married men do not want rape. What fun will it be for the men, if they have to force the women?