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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. The Male and Female Chorus Leaders argue about who has the right to ____________, men or women.

2. Lysistrata begins the meeting by asking the women how they feel about their men being ___________.

3. Lysistrata explains that withholding the _____________ means the men will be unable to go to war.

4. Lysistrata talks about unraveling the political and military situation in the city the same way one would unravel __________.

5. To whom do the Women pray in order to have strength and guidance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lysistrata remind the Commissioner when the women overwhelm the officers at the Akropolis?

2. What does Lysistrata reveal to the Female Leader when she asks Lysistrata what is wrong?

3. Who is Kinesias followed by when he comes into the Temple?

4. What happens when the Male Leader talks about the injuries that have been done to them?

5. What does Lysistrata think will happen if the women of Greece take control?

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

7. What happens when the Male Leader bangs on the door of the Akropolis?

8. What does the Commissioner say the males have done, which has caused the chaos to erupt?

9. What does Lysistrata tell the women when she says she understands they are lonely?

10. What happens as the Men and the Women go head to head in the battle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It seems that in this play, appearance is something which matters more to the characters than it seems.

Part 1: Why do the women and the men slowly strip down their clothing when they are getting ready for battle?

Part 2: Why does Lysistrata dress up the Magistrate during a scene of the play?

Part 3: What does the author seem to be saying about clothes and appearance in this play? Why is this important?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Beyond the idea of gender differences, the play also tackles the more general theme of power and of control.

Part 1: Why are the women concerned that the men have more control or power in society?

Part 2: Why are the men interested in being in control over the women?

Part 3: Do you think the theme of control and power are applicable to today's society? Why or why not? In what ways, if so?

(see the answer keys)

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