female empowerment in Lysistrata

            I want to start by saying the play is indeed comical, as I’m sure was it’s intent.  With that said, I didn’t know whether to be offended by or proud of the women in the play.  While withholding sex is comical and certainly did work, in the back of my mind I was somewhat disturbed that the play implies that sex is the only quality women have to offer and there would be no other way to have an impact on society without using sex as leverage.

            While I was reading the play I was reminded of an argument I’m sure everyone is familiar with; women are obviously not suitable to be in positions of authority, i.e. the presidency, because there emotions would get in the way and hinder them from thinking clearly.  I think the play not only nullifies this argument but also shows that when emotions are involved things are done more efficiently.

            The women decide to refuse sex to their husbands in hopes to persuade the men to search for peace.  The women admit that they are lonely and at one point it is even mentioned that some women fear they will miss their chance to find a husband.  The emotions that are shown here; fear, loneliness, melancholy, are all feelings that inspired the women to withhold sex and in turn peace was sought. 

            The women in the play are quite inspiring.  The women are harassed by the men, fall victim to violence, and are verbally abused, and in turn they torment the males.  “Lysistrata” is a great female empowerment tale.