How we cite our quotes: Line
Quote #1
Lysistrata: "Now if someone had invited them to a revel for Bacchus, or to Pan's shrine, or to Genetyllis' at Colias, the streets would be impassible, what with their tambourines. But as it is, there's not a single woman here. (the far door opens) Except that my neighbor here's coming out. Good morning, Calonice!"
Calonice: "And you, Lysistrata. What's bothering you? Don't frown, child. Knitted brows don't become you."
Lysistrata: "But my heart's on fire, Calonice, and I'm terribly annoyed about us women. You know, according to the men we're capable of any sort of mischief—"
Calonice: "And so we surely are!"
Lysistrata: "But when they're told to meet us here to discuss a matter of no trifling importance, they sleep in and don't show up." (1-15)
Lysistrata is frustrated with the women of Athens; she thinks they're more interested in partying and having a good time than helping out with her cause. But she does note that women are "capable of mischief." And this isn't pulling-the-cat's-tail, or finger-painting-the-walls-style mischief. This is the kind of mischief that makes streets "impassable." This is pretty cool, and an awesomesauce statement for an Ancient Greek playwright to make: women ain't angels (they like a good party) but they do have serious power.
Quote #2
Lysistrata: "But if the women gather together here—the Boeotian women, the Peloponnesian women, and ourselves—together we'll be able to rescue Greece."
Calonice: "But what can mere women do that's intelligent or illustrious? We sit around the house looking pretty, wearing saffron dresses, and make-up, and Cimberic gowns, and pleasure-boat slippers."
Lysistrata: "Exactly! That's exactly what I think will rescue Greece: our fancy little dresses, our perfumes and our slippers, our rouge and our see-through underwear!" (39-48)
Let's hear it for see-through underwear. It may be sheer, but it sure isn't "mere." Despite Calonice's stuck-in-the-dark-ages approach to feminism, Lysistrata is playing to win. She's going to use women's value (as sex objects, which: vomit) to stop the war. This is peaceful protest where it hurts the most.
Quote #3
Lysistrata: "Oh what a low and horny race are we! No wonder tragedies get written about us: we're nothing but Poseidon and a tub. But my dear Spartan, if you alone would side with me, we might still salvage the plan; give me your vote!"
Lampito: "By the Twin Gods, it's difficult for females to sleep alone without the hard-on. But no matter, I assent; we need peace."Lysistrata: "You're an absolute dear, and the only real woman here!" (137-145)
Wow. Just wow. Who knew the Greeks were so dirty? This exchange shows Lysistrata bemoaning the fact that women are "low and horny" and can't stick out a simple sex strike. Lampito agrees: women need sex like plants need water, but peace is worth it. This leads Lysistrata to tell Lampito that she's the only "real woman" around, implying that realness and womanliness are contingent on a willingness to stop knockin' boots. Hmm. This could mean a) that women are supposed to have more sexual willpower than men (certainly a belief that's still around today) or b) that real women—as opposed to immature girls—can restrain themselves for the greater good.