Lysistrata

Lauren Smith

ENGL 102-08

Dr. Milam

February 11, 2013

Lysistrata

Lust is defined as a very strong sexual desire and is a huge part of society today. Many decisions are based off of a human’s lust for a person, or an object. It controls anything and everything humans deal with daily. In Lysistrata by Aristophanes there is focus on lust controlling human life, the power women have over men, and the importance to make love, not war.

Aristophanes first introduces the audience to an annoyed and eager Lysistrata who is awaiting the arrival of the Athenian women including Calonice, Myrrhine, Lampito, and other women to propose a plan to bring their men home from war. Once they arrive, Lysistrata asks the women if they miss the father of their children since they have been at war for many months. All of the women agree, and then she grabs their attention, along with the audiences. “Well then, if I found a way to do it (stop the war and bring the men home), would you be prepared to join with me in putting a stop to the war?” (111). Once Lysistrata states that she has a plan, the women’s ears perk up. Calonice and Myrrhine, the Lampito all agree that they will do whatever Lysistrata’s plan, until she reveals her plan to renounce sex from their husbands. Immediately followed by the proposal were smirks, murmurs of disapproval, and even some women attempted to leave. Calonice and Myrrhine immediately renounce the oath propose to let the war go on. Lysistrata then has to think quickly. “Well, just imagine. We’re at home, beautifully made up, and we walk around the house wearing sheer lawn shifts and nothing else; the men are all horny and can’t wait to leap on up; and we keep our distance and refuse to come to them – then they’ll make peace soon enough, you’ll see.” (149-154). This image gave the women hope, and they all agree. The women decide to use their sex appeal to reel their men in, and then deny sex to get them to stop the war. Their hope is that their...