Peace or peace?

Humans are not inanimate objects. Because, well, we are humans. We eat, breathe, sleep, have a beating heart, speak, etc, etc.  When Peace is brought in front of the Spartans and Athenians, the men “goggle” (101) at her body and is thus dehumanized. Lysistrata understands that the men are yearning to touch a woman in such an intimate way that she uses what they desire most to her advantage. Kinesias is so distracted by Peace’s assets that he cannot pay attention to the peace agreements being made, stating he is “destroyed if this is drawn out much longer” (102), clearly inclining that he is becoming aroused. The Spartan is a bit more focused, pointing to Peace’s butt, indicating Sparta will “take [the] butte… the Promontory of Pylos - Sparta’s Back Door” (104). Peace’s body is used for want and as a map for the two groups of men to reconcile their differences. Talk about objectifying women. Aristophanes implements Peace not only to symbolize how the men reach the concept of peace but as a double entendre. A double entendre is a word, phrase, or concept that has two different meanings, or interpretations. When first introduced to Peace, we believe she is simply a maid. A minuscule character added for no reason…. But, there is always a reason. Aristophanes foreshadowed how tranquility between the cities of Greece would be gained by naming the character that would bring nonviolence, Peace. Peace is not merely a name, it is a plan. A plan that will not bring restfulness to the men when seen at first. Thus creating a foolproof way, for Lysistrata and the women to reach their ultimate goal of Peace.

This political cartoon found on Pinterest, exemplifies through exaggeration how women are objectified in today’s society, being non-verbally told how they should present themselves.