Puns

The puns presented throughout Lysistrata were extremely interesting to me and added comic relief to the otherwise dramatic situations presented throughout the play and involving the two sexes. I am aware that the content of our English translation is basic compared to that of the actual Greek plays and other translations. It is said that Americans are unable to handle the crudeness of the original Greek plays and that it would be extremely offensive however I believe that I would find it interesting and more humorous to read the harsher version. I am curious to know what controversy, if any, would be provoked if these plays were to be translated and produced with the full effect of their original puns. However, it was difficult for me to catch most of the puns and many of them had to be explained to me before I fully realized them; others, were fairly obvious. My personal favorite pun involves the interaction between Myrhhine and Kinesias during which Myrhhine is constantly returning to the Akropolis for items apparently meant to comfort Kinesias provoking Kiniseas to state, "What a lovefeast! Only the table gets laid".

Costumes

While reading Lysistrata, it was somewhat interesting to me to imagine what the costumes for this production were like. While reading, I was disappointed to find little reference to the costumes. There are some points where the women's clothing is described as well as the garments of both the Koryphaios and the Choruses. However, these scenes leave little room for interpretation and are more a part of the general idea of the separation of man and woman (for example, the tunics between the two choruses). A scene which I enjoyed involved the veil of Lysistrata. While Lysistrata is attempting to explain her plan for the Treasury to the Commissioner, he states he cannot listen to a woman wearing a veil. At this point, Lysistrata removes her veil and places it on the Commissioner. As the veil is the garment of a woman it is comical to see it on a man. This action on the part of Lysistrata demonstrates the veil as the women's sign of inferiority. Another reference to clothing is in the description of the women's attire. The garments and the lingerie described and discussed between the women demonstrates how they are in-tune with their feminity. One woman in particular who is excited about her feminine garments in Kleonike. It is as if the garments for the women represent their ability to express themselves and their feminine nature. For women like Kleonike, the garments are exciting to the women as it allows them to excite their men and show off their bodies. These two references to the characters' costumes proved most interesting to me. 

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.

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.

Lysistrata - Characterization

In my opinion, Lysistrata embodies the complete rejection of the stereotypical domestic female. Not only does she maintain an authoritative role by constantly dictating the actions of others, but she gains respect among the men through her wit and ability to repress her sexual desires. The scene in which she directs Myrrhine is a suitable example to Lysistrata's control over others. From atop her platform Lysistrata literally directs Myrrhine as to how she will act towards Kinesias. Then, she watches from the platform in order to ensure that Myrrhine does not surrender to her sexual desires. The men respect Lysistrata for multiple reasons. For one, Lysistrata does not openly flirt with the men. She does not appear to have any obvious lovers and does not participate in the sex strike. Each of these characteristics help to separate Lysistrata from the other women in the play. Lysistrata  has amazing potential as a leader and maintains her strict demands regarding the women's participation in the strike. Because of her austerity, Lysistrata is able to successfully guide the women through the boycott and accomplish peace within Greece.

The Boycott

I saw the play "The Boycott" and personally, I would have to say that I am somewhat disappointed. I appreciate what Kathryn Blume is attempting, and her desire "to find a bright flame of hope for herself, for her audience, and for the future of the world" however the play itself wasn't exactly what I had expected. The creativity of the play was great, and it was obvious that Blume put a lot of time and effort into making it just right, however I felt that it was almost too much. For one, the comparison between Lysistrata and her current performance was extremely faint and I would've preferred a more noticeable resemblance. Also I feel that she had a lot of substance to the play much of which, although it was humorous, was unnecessary and digressed from the main purpose of the play. Frequently during the play I was confused because it was difficult for me to distinguish between some of the accents. On the other hand, I found particular points of her performance humorous. For example, the scene including Ghandhi and the scene where she made an allusion to "Lord of the Rings". Overall, I do not regret going because I feel it contributed to a good purpose.

Thea Elvstead

Personally, I my viewpoint is different from others. To me, Thea's main characterization feature is that she is extremely ditsy and simple- minded. Many would argue that this is untrue seeing as she has helped Eilert on his manuscript; not to mention, the manuscript was extremely successful. Also, Thea has helped to rehabilitate Eilert from his alcoholic past. Because of these accomplishments on her behalf, it would seem natural to argue that Thea is an extremely capable woman who overcomes the barriers which typically inhibit women of that time. Even so, I see Thea as a simple-minded character whose naivete is seen in her obsession with Eilert and her constant worrying over his well-being. Thea's actions throughout the play as well as her dialogue only help to reinforce these beliefs. In the initial presentation of Thea, she is described as having "a startled, questioning look." Automatically this displays her uncertainty. Other various parts of her description evoke pity. For example, "she wears a dark visiting dress, tasteful, but not quite in the latest fashion." Thea seems disordered and somewhat pathetic. " [Hedda] drags Mrs. Elvsted, almost by force toward the doorway" (272). The manner in which Thea allows Hedda to treat her, further portrays her malleable nature. Furthermore, the reunion between the two women serves to demonstrate Hedda's ability to manipulate Thea for information