53 pages • 1 hour read
AristophanesLysistrata
Fiction | Play | Adult | BCEA 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.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Lysistrata by Aristophanes follows an Athenian woman named Lysistrata who, fed up with the ongoing Peloponnesian War, organises a meeting with Greek women to propose a bold plan: they will withhold sex from their husbands until peace is agreed upon. Despite initial resistance, they all agree and take a solemn oath. The women also seize the Acropolis treasury to financially cripple the war, leading to clashes and comedic debates as they push for peace. Explicit sexual content.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Aristophanes’ Lysistrata is praised for its sharp wit and bold commentary on gender and politics, showcasing the playwright's masterful irony and keen social insight. While celebrated for humor and innovation, some critics argue that its themes may feel outdated or simplistic today. Overall, it remains a vital piece of classical literature rich with comedic and cultural value.
Who Should Read Lysistrata?
A reader who enjoys Lysistrata by Aristophanes likely appreciates classical Greek literature, keen satire, and themes of gender and political dynamics. Similar readers might enjoy The Clouds by Aristophanes or The Frogs by Aristophanes, as well as Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift for its satirical tone.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Classic Fiction
Play: Comedy / Satire
Ancient Greece
Gender / Feminism
Politics / Government
Military / War
Society: Politics & Government
Society: War
Identity: Femininity