The War Between the Sexes

The War between the sexes is a theme presented frequently throughout Lysistrata. One thing that I noticed was that there are a lot of characters/actions which parallel the fighting between the men and the women. For example, the Koryphaios of Men and the Koryphaios of Women as well as the two Choruses parallel the actions of the men and women. While the men and women are arguing the Koryphaios' and the Choruses are arguing as well. The same goes for the actions between the two while the men and women are passing slanderous remarks back and forth, criticizing each other, and attacking each other. Finally in the end we see the Koryphaios of Men and Women unite as one as the men sign the Treaty for peace. I find these similarities extremely important as they provide an example of the battle between sexes in a manner other than the obvious battle between men and women. Also, I find it a good way to incorporate the Koryphaios' and the Choruses as they are important to Greek literature. The war between sexes is seen throughout the play (at some points more obvious than others) and helps to establish other themes as well for example, "abstinences bring about peace". In the end of the play, the battle between the sexes is ended and peace is brought about due to the women's sexual inhibitions. Also, the theme "love your neighbor" as it helps to demonstrate the need for love between the women from the outskirts and the women from Athens as well as the Spartans and the Athenians.