Lysistrata Post #2

   The typical Greek play portrays the main hero as a man with superior wit to most other people. The male hero is able to think his way out of dangerous situations or solve riddles similar to Oedipus and the sphinx. The comedy Lysistrata portrays the intelligent hero as a female. While women of the era were considered to be only intelligent enough to "budget the household accounts," (53) Lysistrata proves herself to have far greater intellect than what is believed of women to contain. Lysistrata's knowledge is able to place her up in equality among male heroes of Greek plays.
   One example of  Lysistrata's knowledge is with her extensive plotting, Lysistrata is able to organize all the women of Greece into "full-armed combat infantrywomen" (50) with the ability to "[take] over the Akropolis, including Athene's temple" (28). She further proves her intellect by being able to defend the Akropolis with an iron grip. Lysistrata is smart enough to plan for any method of retaliation the men might throw at her. For example, when the male soldiers march up to burn down the Akropolis gates to break in, Lysistrata orders already readied women to "empty their pitchers [of water] over the men" (45).
   While not having to worry about mustering up knowledge to solve a complicated riddle, Lysistrata is able to utilize her knowledge in order to be a strategist. By being a strategist, which is typically a male;s role in a war, Lysistrata is able to prove herself as a heroine who is worthy of being held up high respectfully next to the male heroes of Greek plays.