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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Lysistrata does add that if the men ____________, then the women can go ahead, but take no pleasure in it.

2. What can be heard as the two women pass a goblet back and forth?

3. The men vow they will fight ______________ the same way they fought in the wars.

4. When the man becomes ___________, Lysistrata says that the woman should refuse to go all the way.

5. In thoughts of what does Kleonike begin to lose herself when she is talking with Lysistrata?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lysistrata confess she has been thinking about when Kleonike asks her why she called the meeting?

2. What is Kinesias wearing when he enters the Temple in order to talk to Myrrhine?

3. What happens as the officers attempt to arrest the women who are blocking the way to the Akropolis?

4. What do the women do after Lysistrata reads to them the prophecy and they see her point?

5. What does the Male Leader tell the rest of the Chorus they have to do in order to teach the women a lesson?

6. What does the Magistrate condemn the Chorus for doing at the start of this scene?

7. What does the Chorus of Women reveal about the way they are dressed?

8. When the Female Leader speaks of having invested her sons in the life and worth of Athens, what does she suggest?

9. How does Lysistrata conclude her final statement to the Athenians and Spartans?

10. What does Kleonike tell Lysistrata that women are good for, and she says this is only practical to think this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of different points at which Aristophanes uses symbolism in his play.

Part 1: What do you think the symbolism of the men carrying wood and fire is? Why?

Part 2: What do you think the symbolism of the women carrying water in pitchers is? Why?

Part 3: How might the scene in which the women douse the men with water be interpreted on a symbolic level? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Had the roles of the genders been switched in this story, the reactions to this play would be much different.

Part 1: How do you think the play would have changed if the men were withholding sex from the women?

Part 2: Do you think the play would have been as strong if the women had been more submissive?

Part 3: Why do you think the women are seen as being powerful for taking charge, though if it had been the men, this may not have been the case?

Essay Topic 3

Within the play, the women and men fight for their 'rights' in society - women to have freedom and men to have power.

Part 1: Why do you think women feel they need to have more freedom now?

Part 2: Why do you think the men believe women's freedom is immoral?

Part 3: In fighting to have more, each of the genders seems to play into the stereotypes placed upon them. Why do you think this is the case?

(see the answer keys)

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