Lysistrata by Aristophanes, and Pericles Term Paper

97). The women are not happy with their role, but they have little say in the matter. This is the reason they use their sexual favors (or lack of them) against their husbands - they have little else to bargain with that means anything to the men. Women may have shared in the spoils of victory and the general air of democracy in Greece, but they certainly did not have a say in that government, or in little else. However, they did know how to bargain effectively, and while they did not actively participate in government and activities, by using their sexuality against their husbands, they did know how to turn the tables and gain what they wanted by influence, rather than by direct participation.

3. Does the play say anything to the people of our generation?

These works do speak to our modern generation in many ways. They show pride in city and government, and illustrate how vital it is to record history as it occurs so future generations can learn from it and improve upon it. In addition, they indicate how far society has come in many ways. Women no longer have to scheme to influence their husbands, they have rights and wills of their own.They can participate in most governments around the world and create change on their own. So, these works tend to show women they should be grateful for the gains they have made. In addition, Lysistrata is funny and farcical. It is not that different from many of the situation comedies of today, that use sexual innuendo and situations to entertain and perhaps enlighten the audience. Reading these works teaches much about history, but also much about human nature. We have much more in common with the ancient Greeks than might first be apparent, and reading these works shows how alike all peoples tend to be in the end.

References

Aristophanes. (1997). Birds: Lysistrata; Assembly-Women; Wealth (Halliwell, S., Trans.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Thucydides. Pericles Funeral Oration [book online]. 6 June 1999, accessed 8 Oct.….....