The comedic play "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes unfolds with a bold plan by women to end the war between Athens and Sparta. It presents a narrative where the women, led by the clever and determined Lysistrata, decide to leverage their sexuality to force the men into negotiating peace. Through humor and satirical commentary, the play explores themes of gender dynamics and the absurdity of war.

Lysistrata's Bold Proposal

The play begins with Lysistrata pacing anxiously, waiting for other women to gather. She shares her frustrations with her neighbor, Calonice, noting that although women have a reputation for cunning, they are nowhere to be seen when needed for a crucial task. Lysistrata emphasizes the importance of their mission, declaring that the fate of Greece is in their hands. As the women assemble, Lysistrata introduces her audacious proposal to end the war through a sex strike, initially met with hesitation and humor. Despite their initial reluctance, the women ultimately agree, driven by their desire to bring their husbands home from the battlefield. Lysistrata assures them that if force is used against them, they can relent, as such encounters will not bring satisfaction to the men.

Seizing the Acropolis

With Lampito returning to Sparta to rally support, Lysistrata and her remaining allies plan to assist the women who have taken control of the Acropolis and its treasury. Soon, a group of elderly men arrives, determined to smoke the women out by setting fires. The men grumble about the women they raised now rebelling and occupying a sacred site. However, the women counter with pitchers of water, dousing the fires and the men’s pride. A magistrate arrives, blaming the women's insolence on being overly coddled by the men. He orders the doors to be forced open but keeps his distance to observe.

Confrontation with Authority

When the doors fly open, Lysistrata steps out, and although the magistrate demands her arrest, the policemen are too intimidated to comply. The women collectively defy the authorities, and when attacked, they successfully fend off the police. Lysistrata explains that the women have taken the Acropolis to prevent the funds from fueling war and to safeguard the treasury from corrupt officials. She argues that women, accustomed to managing household finances, are well-suited to handle the state's money. Despite the magistrate’s continued objections, the women humorously dress him in women’s clothing and later as a corpse, driving him away in embarrassment. Left to themselves, the old men and women engage in a heated exchange, with the women reminding men of their vital role in childbirth, leading to an escalating physical confrontation.

Resistance and Resolution

After an implied five-day interval, Lysistrata confronts a potential mutiny among the women, who are tempted to return to their men. She reassures them that the men are equally miserable, and reveals an oracle predicting their victory. The women regain their resolve, returning to the Acropolis. An approaching Cinesias, tormented by longing for his wife, Myrrhine, illustrates the men's plight. Myrrhine skillfully manipulates Cinesias's desires, refusing to break her vow until the war ends. The old men’s chorus echoes Cinesias’s frustrations, though sympathy is not what he seeks.

The Path to Peace

Soon, an Athenian magistrate and a Spartan herald arrive, both suffering the effects of the women’s abstention, indicating the widespread nature of the issue. They agree to seek a resolution, with the herald returning to Sparta to fetch a peace negotiator. While waiting for the envoy, the women attempt to comfort the men. Upon the arrival of the ambassadors, Lysistrata initiates negotiations. Initially, it seems peace is elusive, but the men, spurred by wine and the prospect of reunion with their wives, reach an accord. A treaty is signed amid celebration, and the men and women return to their homes, ending the comedic conflict.