Lysistrata and Oppian Law

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes and "Women Demonstrate against the Oppian Law" by Livy. Specifically, it discusses how Lysistrata and other women had the power to demand change in law and public policy. The writer notes that these pieces were written during times of strife and war in Greece and Rome. The writer points out that "Lysistrata" takes place during the Peloponnesian War, between 431 to 404 B.C.E., while "Women Demonstrate" was written in 195 B.C.E., just after the Second Punic War. "Lysistrata" never happened, but the Roman women's protest actually did occur. The writer concludes that both works indicate the power of women to sway their husbands and demand changes in the law.

From the Paper:

"The story is simple. To end the Peloponnesian War, the women of Athens decide to give their husbands an ultimatum. They will not have sex with their husbands, or any man, until the men hurry up and end the war. In this excerpt, they meet with a Commissioner to tell him their demands. They are outrageous in the way they make their demands, but they make their point with the Commissioner. They argue effectively and with humor, while the Commissioner just manages to look buffoonish and incapable. The women clearly have the upper hand in this debate, and are much smarter than the men they argue with and subdue. The excerpt does not say if they win their battle, but it is difficult to imagine the men putting up with no sex for very long. "Lysistrata" is funny, but it makes a point. Women have brains, too, and want to be included in important decisions by the government. Pushing women aside, as the men of Athens and Rome did, can only lead to trouble in the end, as these two works clearly indicate."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aristophanes. "Lysistrata." In Worlds of History: A Comparative Reader. Kevin Reilly, Ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007. 173-176.
• Livy. "Women Demonstrate against the Oppian Law." In Worlds of History: A Comparative Reader. Kevin Reilly, Ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007. 177-181.

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