Sexuality In Aristrata's Lysistrata, By Aristophanes

Women have been seen as sexual creatures since the dawn of man. The woman has the role of reproduction, and this job alone makes her a vulnerable creature. Throughout history, males have placed themselves in higher positions than their female counterparts. The typical role of the woman has always been to produce children and tend to the home. Aristophanes’ Lysistrata portrays women that have taken control of their sexuality in order to use it against men of power. The real Ancient Greek woman had no power whatsoever over her own sexuality, since she was inferior to men in all aspects. Aristophanes presents a false depiction of how women commanded their own sexuality in the public eye in order to create a comedic effect. The play focuses

She requests that all of the women refrain from sexual intercourse with their husbands. In reality, women had no choice in the matter; if the husband wanted sexual interaction then it was to be had. Man had total control over his wife, as marriage declared her as his property. The responsible wife was to be faithful at all times. If a woman refused to comply with her husband then he was allowed to punish her. This included physical violence, as commonly practiced by the gods. For example, the god Zeus was commonly known to strike his wife Hera. He also punished his wife by chaining her up and hanging weights from her feet. (Fant 31) Lysistrata tells the women that they must fight all sexual advances that their husbands make, even if they are forced into intercourse. She says, “Men don’t enjoy [sex] when they have to force you.” (Henderson 1.1. 163) There is no evidence as to whether or not this is true. In modern society, forcing one into sexual interaction would be classified as rape. Though rape is commonly seen throughout Ancient Grecian history, there is no Greek word that directly translates into the modern definition of rape. (Harris) A man can do what he pleased with his woman, especially if the gods could do as they sexually pleased. A man at the time often had multiple sexual partners other than his wife. Relations with concubines were common, and if a man was

The young girl is stripped down and presented nude before the two leaders. Lysistrata uses the young girl’s body in place of a map of Greece. The men cannot control themselves and are visibly aroused. The young girl has no shame standing naked before these men. A woman’s body was something religious at that time, especially that of a virgin. The play depicts a bold girl who can proudly stand nude amongst men. In actuality, women were expected to be modest creatures. Ancient Grecian men have often been depicted in the nude through art, especially athletes of the time. Women were typically depicted clothed. Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, was typically clothed in her depictions. In mid-fourth century B.C., Praxiteles depicted a nude version of the goddess. Though she was nude, the goddess presented modest behavior; “the position of the goddess ' hands may be meant to show modesty or desire to shield the viewer from too full a view of her godhead” (Sorabella) There was also a large emphasis on the value of virginity in women. A virgin wife was valued much higher than non-virgins. A women of the time would not be so willing to present herself nude in front of people so easily. By including the full naked form of a woman, Aristophanes continues to make a mockery of the sexuality of women. Giving the woman control of who she