Frustration builds as women continue to tease men without giving them sex. “Life with women is hell. Life without women is hell too” (96). On one hand women satisfy men but on the other women drive men to insanity. For example, Myrrhine gathers everything needed “to make love” (88) from the cot, to blanket, to perfume and then “runs off” (90). Kinesias begs Myrrhine to “come to bed… and please stop bringing things!” (89) stating that “the ground’s enough for us” (85). This points out that men do not need objects but rather company.
The men could not hold out any longer. Sex was no where to be found, not even from “little old gals on the moosey” (93). In Kinesias’ word “she left our home, and happiness went with her” (81). As a result men reluctantly “conclude a truce” (96). It was evident that sooner or later the men needed to vote for a truce, the women were not going to surrender.
In conclusion, the play ended with a "happy ending" (112). Both sexes are happier when united, “each man stands by his wife, each wife stands by her husband” (112). When the two sexes are undivided there is dancing and singing as the citizens were calling “all the gods to witness. Blissful Peace” (112). This was such a disaster that no one wanted to unfold again. Lysistrata stated “let's not make the same mistakes again” (112). The quote below summarizes the play. When the wife is happy everything else falls into place.
Anna's attached picture is comical yet very relevant to the situation. The men feel that their happy life means having sex, but without the women getting what they want then it isn't possible. The ending to the comedy is predictable but also satisfying because both the men and women can live in harmony together.
ReplyDeleteThe quote "Happy wife, happy life" is a perfect way to summarize Lysistra! The men of Greece found happiness in their wife when having sex and without it seemed other worldly. When the men acknowledged how upset the women were of the war and how their sexual desires were not being performed, they did what they had to fix it. They called for a truce and once again their lives happy since their wives were happy.
ReplyDeleteThe picture attached is a perfect representation of the predicament the men are facing. While they wish to prove their dominance and settle matters with strength, the women are growing increasingly discontent with their actions. As long as the men are fighting wars, they are never going to hear the end of the women's urges for peace. They eventually have to give into the women's demands in order to satisfy everyone.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, it can be said that women have more power over men than they think. Eventually the men realize that although their wives can be troublesome and annoying, that they truly care about them and miss their intimate companionship. This is a reoccurring theme that can be observed in any traditional, heteronormative romance.
ReplyDelete