Lysistrata Summary & Key Insights

Sarah Ruden's translation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata breathes new life into this ancient Greek comedy, focusing on its enduring relevance. The play centers on Lysistrata, a fiercely intelligent Athenian woman, who, appalled by the endless Peloponnesian War, devises a radical plan to force peace: a sex strike.

The play opens with Lysistrata rallying women from various Greek city-states – Spartan, Athenian, Boeotian – to join her cause. These women, initially hesitant and preoccupied with domestic duties, are gradually persuaded by Lysistrata's passionate speeches about the suffering inflicted by the war. The central plot revolves around the women's occupation of the Acropolis, the citadel of Athens, denying their husbands sexual access until a peace treaty is signed.

Within the Acropolis, the women grapple with internal conflicts and the challenges of their self-imposed abstinence. Their commitment is tested by lust, longing, and the persistent attempts of their husbands to break their vow. Humorous scenes depict the women's struggles with temptation and their creative methods of distracting themselves, including engaging in games and philosophical discussions.

Key characters besides Lysistrata include Calonice, a comically lustful woman whose initial resistance gives way to enthusiasm, and Myrrhine, whose interaction with her husband Kinesias embodies the central conflict – the powerful allure of sex pitted against the urgent need for peace. Kinesias' desperate pleas and attempts at seduction highlight the men's dependence on women and their vulnerability to Lysistrata’s strategy. Other significant figures include Lampito, a robust Spartan woman representing a different perspective on womanhood and war, and the chorus of old men, providing comedic counterpoint to the women's actions.

The play's overarching themes are the devastating consequences of war, the power of women, and the limitations of patriarchal structures. Aristophanes satirizes the absurdity of war, highlighting the men's foolish pride and their willingness to sacrifice everything for glory. Lysistrata’s strategy cleverly exposes the male dependence on women’s bodies and agency, demonstrating that women, through their collective action, can hold immense political power. However, the play also implicitly criticizes the limitations of women's roles within Athenian society, even as it showcases their potential to effect profound societal change.

Ruden’s translation enhances the play's accessibility and relevance by clarifying the language and rendering the characters' motivations and emotions with great sensitivity. The humor, though often bawdy, remains sharp and engaging, allowing the audience to appreciate both the comedic aspects and the play's powerful message about peace, gender dynamics, and the transformative potential of collective female action.