Blog Post 2: 3/11/2016

Joseph Ucci

Blog Post 2: 3/11/2016

            The men of Greece never listen to their wives’ words and “as [the women] sat in the house” (56) the men would continuously fight over “anything so idiotic” (56). The wives would remain silent in respect for their social norms even if they believed otherwise. Lysistrata finally decides to take a stand, so she rounds up the women of Greece to fight for peace among the land. In doing so, the Commissioner along with the other men try to shut Lysistrata’s plans down and kick her out of the Akropolis. Lysistrata’s women army fights back and is able to stand their ground. The power the women hold shocks the commissioner and Lysistrata claims “We’re not slaves; we’re freeborn Women… Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman.” (51) Lysistrata goes on to say that her husband would not allow her to state her opinion towards the war in his presence. He would scream “Whats that to you? Shut up!” (56) followed by a quote of Homer explaining that Athens needs a power of men over women, “Ye menne must husband ye warre.” (56) Lysistrata shows disdain for the Greek God when she decides to “rewrite Homer” (58). She feels that Homer was wrong for only supporting men and making them seem like the superior authority figures. Lysistrata and the other women decide they will no longer stand down to their husbands and start to speak how they feel. Lysistrata proves she is serious after altering Homer’s words to say “Ye women must wive ye warre!” Lysistrata wants women to rule Athens and will continue to rebell until it happens. The Political cartoon below shows how some of the men treated their wives and other women in regards to their opinions, words, and feelings.