Lysistrata Reading Questions

Important Terms (used in discussions and on tests): protagonist, exposition, initiating incident, conflict, climax, denouement, foreshadowing, recognition, 3 unities, dramatic irony

1) Is this play an attack on values and ways of thinking that make war inevitable?

2) Does the play challenge current gender roles (advocate change) or just joke about them to relieve tension?

3) Is the play a male view of women? A joke at the expense of women?

Pp. 116-24- Thursday, Sept. 11

Kleonike typifies the feminine gender role, whereas Lysistrata seems atypical. Give characteristics of each (supporting your points with specifics from the play.

1. Notice at least 3 stage props: how do they at the same time confirm and challenge gender roles?

2. What does the Commissioner represent (as opposed to the chorus of men)?

3. What is the major metaphor or simile the women use in straightening out the society's problems, and how does that metaphor/simile represent differences between masculine vs. feminine approaches to problems?

Pp. 140-58- Thursday, Sept. 18

1. How does what Lysistrata says in negotiating peace fits her metaphor/simile on pp. 134-5?

2. The way Peace is represented and described on stage (her sex and clothing) and the way the men relate to her constitutes evidence as to whether Aristophanes is or is not being subversive about gender relations and the nature of power, strength, and weakness. Readers and viewers disagree in their interpretations of the meaning of this evidence. What is your interpretation of his point (use particular phrases and actions to make your case).