Lysistrata Play Analysis

Women or gyneia in ancient Greece was considered weak, fearful, passive and inferior to man (like second class citizen) but are necessary for an orderly and working oikos. (Brooks 19.3) They are very important for the reproduction of the citizens. With their primary role being able to produce an heir for the oikos. Failure to do this could mean divorce. A stigma would be placed on her even if it was the failure of the husband. (Books 19.9) Women in Ancient Greece did not have any power or political say. Citizen women were legally prohibited from managing property and money. (Brooks 19.4) Legal represented by a guardian or kyrios was her father before marriage and after marriage is her husband. If she would become a widow her grown son

This was a release from quotidian lives. The women also prepared the body for a funeral including participating in the mourning. (Brooks 19.13) This was description of a stereotypical woman of Ancient Greece.

Aristophanes is a comedic playwriter who wrote the play Lysistrata. (Brooks 21.12) In this play the typical meaning of ancient Greek women was pointed out in many ways but is also told a side of a stronger female. The play was produced in 411 BCE. This fantasy of a play recognized that Athens couldn’t end the Peloponnesian War alone but needed all the women of the warring states to co-operate in forcing peace upon the men. Lysistrata was the main character but represents not your typical ancient greek

In the book of Ajax, Tekmessa says to Aias: “My lord, there is not greater evil among us than inescapable chance. My father was a free man, as rich and powerful as any Phrygia. Now I am a slave. I owe that to the gods, it seems, and to your strength most of all. Since the day I came to your bed I have always done you honor. Now I beg you by Zeus of the hearth and by that bed which binds me to you, do you think little of me as to leave me exposed to the scorn of your enemies or the will of their hands. If you die and abandon the Greeks me, know I’ll be taken that same day and dragged off with your son to eat slave’s food. And, my masters, will throw bitter words in my face: “Do you see that woman? Once she was concubine to Aias, the strongest man in the army-an enviable life. Now servitude is all her reward!” (Sophocles, 1999. Line 538-565) Tekmessa knew she was destine to be a slave if something happent to Ajax. That is why she was trying to convences Ajax not to take his life when he realized what he has done. Considering that she was non-citizen women who would become a slave would fetch water, household chores, waving, and maybe other sexual roles. (Brooks