Antigone And Lysistrata Essay Research Paper The — страница 2

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family Antigone begins her betrayal of her city-state; this betrayal eventually leads to her death. Sophocles meant for his audience to realize the foolishness of Antigone s rebellion against the state; thereby illustrating that the proper Athenian women has ultimate loyalty to her country. In direct contrast to Antigone, Aristophanes heroine Lysistrata plays the role of rebel within her family in order to save her city-state. Lysistrata comes to the conclusion that the only way to save Athens from destruction in war, comes with defiance of her husband. In her role of rebel within the family, Lysistrata decides to compel [her] husband to make peace by withholding sex from him until he stops his disastrous warring behavior Ed. Aristophanes, Lysistrata ( New York: Dover, 1993), 7.

She concludes, there are a thousand ways of tormenting [him] that will lead to the ultimate safety of Athens (Lysistrata, 9). Unlike Antigone, Lysistrata realistically considers the possible consequences of her actions. She understands that the consequences of rebellion against her husband could be dire. Lysistrata recognizes that her husband might beat her or even rape her in order to get physical satisfaction, but she also realizes that her husband would, soon tire of the game there s no satisfaction for a man, unless a woman shares it (Lysistrata, 9). Lysistrata acknowledges that defying her husband will have consequences, but she chooses to realistically face those possible consequences, and continues knowing that her actions will benefit Athens. Aristophanes reveals that a

woman s greatest allegiance lies with her country through Lysistrata s role of rebel within her family to save Athens. Sophocles continues exploring the concept that the ideal Athenian woman has ultimate loyalty to her state through the relationship between Antigone and her sister. In the tragedy, Ismene represents the ideal Athenian woman because she acknowledges the supremacy of her government. Ismene attempts to convince her sister of the folly of trying to bury their brother, but Antigone plays the role of the accuser. Antigone reviles her sister, I shall detest you soon because Ismene understands her duty lies with her government (Antigone, 4). Ismene cannot comprehend treachery Against the proclamation of her king because she acknowledges she was born too feeble to contend

/ Against the state (Antigone, 2, 4). Practical Ismene attempts to show Antigone the futileness of going against their city-state when she extols Antigone, We too shall perish, if despite of the law / We traverse the behest or power of kings (Antigone, 3). Unfortunately, Antigone completely ignores Ismene s revelations; she continues her role as the complainant, calling Ismene impious for refusing to betray the state and bury their brother, You if you will, / Hold up to scorn what is approved in Heaven! (Antigone, 3). Ismene recognizes that Antigone desire impossibilities but she cannot convince her stubborn sister that she goes on a fool s errand! (Antigone, 4). Through Antigone s accusatory role with Ismene the reader comprehends that Ismene and not Antigone exists as Sophocles

example of the ideal Athenian woman who s final loyalty lies with her state. Lysistrata takes the position of leader in her relationships with other women; she encourages her followers to fight for the betterment of their country; thus, she exists as the example of the ideal Athenian woman. Lysistrata begins the Grecian women s movement for peace among the city-states. She calls a meeting of all of the important women from Athens and Sparta. At the meeting she explains to the women We must refrain from the male altogether in order to have peace (Lysistrata, 7). When the women balk at losing the physical pleasure of sex Lysistrata clarifies her plan, We need only sit indoors employing all our charms and all our arts they will be wild to lie with us (Lysistrata, 9). Next, she

instructs the women That will be the time to refuse, and they will hasten to make peace, I am convinced of that! (Lysistrata, 9). With her persuasive leadership skills Lysistrata manages to band together all the Grecian women to work for peace. Once she has women working for peace she has to use her leadership role to keep them working together. Lysistrata has to deal with women who begin to miss the physical pleasure they receive from men, I cannot stop them any longer from lusting after the men. They are all for deserting (Lysistrata, 31). First she attempts to win the women over with logic, A little more patience, and the victory will be ours (Lysistrata, 33). When logic does not sway the women Lysistrata uses her reputation as a leader to convince women of a prophecy she