Lysistrata
Amidst the tone of war around us, and speak of possible defeat, the festival of Dionysos will be held the fall of this great year, 411 BCE. Many ideas of entertainment have been suggested, most of which plays from various credible playwrights. One that has caught my eye in many ways is a work by Aristophanes. It is titled Lysistrata, and is a comedy based on our current status of war. Now considering our present situation, this may seem like a ludicrous idea. The wrong choice of words in a public address can result in a revolt, let alone a play that will be seen by many more citizens than will a public speaking. Why choose such an idea? Well, there are many reasons, and I intend to explain them to you. First, the mentalities of most citizens are that of following the crowd. If small groups of people change their view of our status in activities of war, they will influence other people to change their minds, and so on. Slowly we will find that large areas of Athens will alter their opinions, not only because they feel that they are right, but also so that they may fit in with the majority, therefore spreading the idea of peace and retraction from fighting. Then if the decision is made to withdraw from battle, the publi
c will agree rather than oppose the idea. Any government, let alone ours, far too seldom achieves such support by a city-state's citizens. Also, with the talk of peace and an end to fighting mentioned in the work, people who feel that we should have peace will have a boost of pride. The entire idea behind Lysistrata's plan is to bring peace to Athens. As a result of such an intention brought into the open, citizens who are fed up with war and conflict as a whole will voice their opinions. Anyone with an idea of peace will feel the strength to mention and speak freely of it to others, possibly altering their opinions as well, spreading an influence of sorts through the city. Or maybe a snowball-effect will occur inside our community. At first the idea of peace is brought to our attention via the play, next sections of Athens will feel the same, until the idea escalates into measures of action. Next, the comedic aspect will appeal to many. This production is to be entertaining, and what better way to achieve this then through a comedy of sorts. The catch to Lysistrata's plan is that the women of Athens, as well as Sparta and other areas, will withhold themselves from their husbands. A strike of lovemaking occurs on a massive scale. As a means of defense, all women gather together at a "hideaway" so to speak. Men approach their wives in desperation, but are turned away. That is, not before they are tortured and taunted by their lovers. The criticism of both the women and men throughout the play are very humorous. It is a great suggestion to portray a conception of peace through that of a comedy. Especially being of a greatly known subject such as this. The idea of such harshness will get to the point rather bluntly though. What better way to induce a retreat and prevention of destruction than exclaiming its
Some common words found in the essay are:
Athens Sparta, , Slowly Athens, idea peace, women athens, people change, women athens sparta, athens sparta, probable outcome, lysistrata's plan, people feel, produce play,
Approximate Word count = 1240
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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