Lysistrata Analysis

The social challenges women have been struggling with for centuries has been one aspect of reality that have plagued the advancement of women’s rights in society. These issues are very common today in many parts of the world where from the moment a woman gets married, she will become a domestic partner in her marriage while the husband is offer opportunities to acquire social and economic status. The woman is required to take care of the necessity of the home; she is to cook, clean, take care of her children, as well as her husband’s sexual need. In addition, a woman does not get involved in managing the affairs of the state, because of the social norms and beliefs that a woman does not have the necessary knowledge to make a meaningful contribution. This is how men as well as society have perceived women to be for over centuries. However, Lysistrata proves society and men wrong when she transgresses from the norm. For example, Lysistrata says, “For quite sometimes we’ve seen your faults, yet suffered them in silence. We tolerated everything decided by our husbands” (Lysistrata, Pg. 113, line 507-509). Here Lysistrata is taking a firm stand against men and saying enough to men. As

96, line 1). Lysistrata is stating that women would show up to an event that involves drinking and dancing, however in matters of great importance they do not show up. In order to end the 20-year war between Athens and Sparta Lysistrata came up with a plan to save men from their own demise. At the same time, the women would need to gather together and agree to Lysistrata’s plan. In the end the women come together and agree to Lysistrata’s plan, which is then view by men and society as a transgression. In committing this act, Lysistrata takes a stand to end a 20-year war between Athens and