Lysistrata by Aristophanes | Summary & Analysis

Aristophanes’s Lysistrata explained with scene summaries in just a few minutes!

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, themes, and motifs of Aristophanes's play Lysistrata.

Download the free study guide and infographic for Lysistrata here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Lysistrata/

In Aristophanes’s classic play Lysistrata, the heroine of the title leads the women of the warring Athens and Sparta in a sex strike, hoping to persuade their husbands to sue for peace.

Though the effect is comic, with the stymied men of Greece ultimately caving to the demands of their wives, the action reflects a more sober reality. The Peloponnesian War was a savage, three decade conflict between two factions of Greek city-states vying for dominance of the region.

Written in the latter half of the conflict, the play's comic relief would have been especially welcome in the playwright's home of Athens, which ultimately lost the conflict.

Greek comedic and satirical writer Aristophanes created Lysistrata, which was first performed in 411 BCE, only 7 years after the Peloponnesian War ended. It is considered by some to be his best play. Aristophanes’s works often criticized the statesmen who drove Athens into the war with Sparta. His witty plays still resonate with audiences today.

The play contains many powerful themes such as determination, femininity vs. masculinity, and civil disobedience. Other symbols include the Acropolis, staffs, and bowls & wine.

Explore Course Hero’s collection of free literature study guides, Q&A pairs, and infographics here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/

About Course Hero:
Course Hero helps empower students and educators to succeed! We’re fueled by a passionate community of students and educators who share their course-specific knowledge and resources to help others learn. Learn more at http://www.coursehero.com

Master Your Classes™️ with Course Hero!

Get the latest updates:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursehero
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coursehero

Видео Lysistrata by Aristophanes | Summary & Analysis канала Course Hero