Blog 3: Myrrhine's Loyalty

Loyalty is important in Lysistrata. Myrrhine demonstrates loyalty. She remains loyal to the women and their plan of “total abstinence from sex” (25). Kinesias coerces Myrrhine to come closer to him by using the allure of “the voice of [her] child”(82). This shows the extent of Kinesias’ desire for Myrrhine. Kinesias asks Myrrhine to join him and “go home” (84). Myrrhine first abstains, “I absolutely refuse!” Unless you agree to a truce to stop the war” (84). At this point she remains strongly devoted to her plan. Myrrhine objects arguing “In front of the baby?”(84). Kinesias solves this problem. Myrrhine argues against the idea again, “but where does one do this sort of thing?” (85). And again “How can I expunge my pollution?”(85). Through the use of repeated questions, it is clear Myrrhine is attempting to ease her way out of her husband’s wish. Why? She wants the war to end. Her previous witty reply to her husband “I’ll come back--- after it's done” (84), reinforces her desire for the war to end. After  insisting again they need something else (a mattress), Myrrhine returns and suspense begins to build. When Myrrhine says “Now hurry to bed while I undress” (87), the reader begins to wonder if she is actually going to break her oath. She desires some more things, but each time she returns. “Taking off [her] bra” (87), exaggerates the suspense. Kinesias becomes annoyed with her when he says “and please stop bringing things!” (87). When Myrrhine runs off for good she avoids a crisis, which allows relief among the audience. This part of the play embraces the theme of feminism; Myrrhine does not succumb to the wishes of Kinesias just because he is her husband.