DISCUSSION: LYSISTRATA by Aristophanes - Essay Example

Lysistrata by Aristophanes The humor in the play is focused on the strategy that Lysistrata thought of in order to end the war. Aristophanes could have thought of other ways to encourage the men to end the war but he instead though of a “sexual strategy”. This is quite humorous since it is very out of the ordinary and is presented in the play in an interesting way. One finds the part of the play where Kinesias was shown with a full erection and pleading his wife, Myrrhine for sex, funny.

One’s favorite character in the play is Lysistrata. She exemplifies the characteristic of a good leader. She is very intelligent, smart and knows how to manipulate people. She stands out in a male-dominated society and able to lead the other women in the play. The strength of her character earns for her the respect of the women and men in Athens and Sparta. One considers the play unrealistic because during those times, the women are powerless. It is impossible for a woman like Lysistrata to lead Athens and even control the men.

Lysistrata’s plan of asking the women to refuse sex with their husbands to make them agree to a treaty of peace is quite preposterous. The moral of the story is that peace is a better alternative than war. The play also wishes to convey that women should be treated as equals by men. They too have a role in society and should not be perceived as mere sex objects.Works CitedThe EServer Drama Collection. "Lysistrata." drama.eserver.org. Web. 5 June 2012 .