The Wool Metaphor

In Lysistrata, the metaphor which I found to be most interesting was Lysistrata's wool metaphor described to the Commissioner. On page 62 Lysistrata continues her wool metaphor in which she compares wool to Athens as a whole city; a united body of citizens rather than separated. Lysistrata believes the whole city should be cleansed of burs. In this metaphor, the burs represent the bad men and corruption which plague the city. The imperfections in the wool represent the imperfections in society. The removal of the "knots and snarls to snag important posts" (63) is Aristophanes reference/criticism of the politicians in Athens who conspire in order to get each other elected. Lysistrata announces who would be and would not acceptable in her city. Among the accepted include: loyal "Resident Aliens, All Foreigners of proven and tested friendship, and any Disenfranchised Debtors". Lysistrata believes that the collection of these people with create a stronger, renewed Athenian civilazation. To Lysistrata, these people represent the wool which she believes will encompass and embrace all of the various people loyal to Athens. During this metaphor, Lysistrata's voice is heard to the end, uninterrupted by the men. This passage clearly symbolizes one of the main voices of Artistophanes in which he believes women have a place in society and a right to fight for what they believe in.