Arguments for Peace in Lysistrata - Essay Example

The paper "Arguments for Peace in Lysistrata" is an excellent example of an essay on literature. Traditionally, women have been associated with domestic duties, thereby, leaving men to address issues that affect the entire society. However, it is not the case since women have proved to have the ability to act at the household level as well as at the societal level. The participation of women in addressing societal issues has evolved over the years. For example, war is known to be the responsibility of men.

Since women are also affected by war, they have the right to participate in it. The involvement of women in war and peace dates many centuries ago.All the men in Greece are at war leaving women behind. Lysistrata believes that there will be no end to the war unless women intervene. Men seem to be obsessed with the war. Lysistrata calls all women of Athens, Spartans, and Boeotia to a meeting where they will develop a solution for ending the war. She convinces the women to deny their men sex so that the warring sides can sign a peace treaty.

Lysistrata argues that the war was destroying families. A family should have a husband, a wife, and children. However, the war made families less of men. Lysistrata asks Kalonike if she misses her husband. Kalonike and other women admit that they have missed their husbands for months (Aristophanes 10). Furthermore, no one is there to take the role of men in the family. An end to the war and attaining peace would make their families complete. Protagonist Lysistrata argues that the war does not mean any good to their society.

Instead, it is a means of promoting political greed, corruption, and ambitions. Lysistrata tells the Magistrate that since “…politicians need a chance to steal,” war is the option for them. Besides corruption and political greed, Lysistrata indicates that the war has many other negatives to the people.  The war has taken youthful men, thereby, leaving no marriageable men. Women really want to marry but all men are occupied with the Peloponnesian war. Apart from the money lost through corruption, large amounts of money are used to fund the war which does not help the Athenians in any way.

An end to the war would help Athenians cut the expenditure. Therefore, Lysistrata tells the Magistrate that the women are going to take control of the treasury to bring peace to their society (Aristophanes 32). In conclusion, women have a significant role to play in finding a solution to the issues affecting society. Despite the traditional norm, Lysistrata led other women in realizing peace in Athens.