Answer

Document Analysis

            Ancient Greek society is a society that modern societies have borrowed from in shaping how individuals exist in social settings. The ancient Greek society was a male-dominated society, where men had absolute power while women were left with little to none. An excerpt from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata shows the stereotypical nature that carried made with absolute power over women, while women plot to have a little power back through manipulation, deception, and planning.

            Women in ancient Greek society were confined to their fathers’ households until their marriage where they still were confined to their husbands’ homes. Women were not allowed to vote, own land or inherit any land or possessions, or socialize or go out in public. Consequently, women’s major role in ancient Greek society was to bear children, especially male heirs, and attend to the household duties. On the other hand, men were given absolute power in a male-dominated ancient Greek society. Men had the right to vote freely, own property, own slaves, hold public office positions, and socialize freely in public gatherings.

In Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, Lysistrata urges her friends Myrrhine and Calonice to join her in denying their husbands sexual affection when they return home from war when she states, “We must refrain from every depth of love…” Lysistrata’s argument regarding the matter is that their husbands return home traumatized from battle and rendered useless around the homes until they are deployed again. Lysistrata believes that by withholding sexual affections, their husbands will cease from war, stay home and become responsible fathers to their children and loving husbands to their wives. In agreement, this plot will work, as sex was the only pleasure men gained.

            Stereotypically, men are considered superior to women in ancient Greek society with women’s roles confined to household tending and childbearing, as men ruled and held office. This stereotype led to the patriarchal ancient Greek society that one learns in history lessons. Although that is true according to history, women played the role dished to them, and still managed to control their husbands through deception and manipulation as portrayed in Aristophanes’ Lysistrata.

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