53 pages 1 hour read

Aristophanes

Lysistrata

Fiction | Play | Adult

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“But the gods and Euripides both hate women.” 


(Line 19)

While the tragedian Euripides often raised thought-provoking questions about women’s issues in antiquity, his rebellious and controversial female characters paradoxically saw him branded as a misogynist.

Quotation Mark Icon

“To pile up one pyre and set it afire / For all with a hand in this wicked affair / Can pass without debate or amendments / Or special pleading—well, first get Lycon’s wife.” 


(Lines 267-270)

Another example of Aristophanes taking a jab at a contemporary figure—in this case, the politician Lycon’s wife, who was rumored to be rather promiscuous.

Quotation Mark Icon

“If somebody had done a proper job. / Of slapping them, they’d keep their yappers shut.” 


(Lines 360-361)

Despite various threats of physical violence, the fight between Lysistrata’s male and female choruses is mostly verbal (with the occasional slapstick scuffle).

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 53 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools