Lysistrata

How does the staging of Lysistrata map onto the actual topography of Athens? What special significance might the play have had for an Athenian audience?

Scholars still debate if women attended ancient dramatic performances. If women were in the audience, how would this affect Lysistrata’s potential to be read as a “feminist” play?

Examine agon scenes from other ancient comedies, especially those of Aristophanes. How is Lysistrata’s agon different from the typical comedic debate? Why do you think Aristophanes did this?

Greek choruses often functioned as a mouthpiece for different segments of society. For which social classes are Lysistrata’s two choruses speaking? Which do you think Aristophanes sympathizes with more?

How do props contribute to the action and comedy in Lysistrata? What other types of humor does Aristophanes employ?

How does Lysistrata engages with Greek tragedies? Which tragedians is he fond of and which does he criticize? Why?

How do you think Aristophanes’ brand of political satire compares to today’s? What modern books, television shows, or movies does it remind you of?

How important do you think supplementary information on Greek culture and history is in understanding Lysistrata? Without this context, how might you interpret the play differently?