Sohrab and Rostam

Revised
The Persian epic of Rostam and Sohrab has a few symbolic meanings within the story. The one meaning that appears to me the most is of Sohrab and the struggle/conflict he has with his own identification. He is wanting to locate his long lost father, Rostam, whom he has never met. During the story Rostam is invited to stay the night at King of Semengan's home after he learned of Rostam's lost horse. The King's daughter, Tahmine, is very much interested in Rostam that she visits him in his chamber at night. What she knows of him convinces her to bear his child. He says, "Desire destroys my mind, I long to bear within my womb your song and heir." The two conceive their son Sohrab but Rostam never knows of this. Both Tahmine and Rostam lose contact after their one night experience.
Sohrab grows up with the struggle of not knowing his father. He has some idea that his father is such a great fighter and he is proud of this. From hearing about how good his father is, it makes him more eager to locate him. Unfortunately both father and son meet but it turns out for the worst. The two meet each other unknowingly as they're fighting. The story ends with Rostam killing his son. Had the two let their pride out of the way and less defense, they would have had what they both desired for, a father-son relationship.

Original
The story of Sohrab and Rostam begins as Rostam is depressed from his lost horse he cannot seem to find. Rakhsh goes missing after an innocent wander and is captured by Turks. Rostam laments the disappearance of Rakhsh and travels to Semengan without him. Upon his arrival to Semengan he encounters the Shah and his nobles who are very welcoming. He explains the loss of his horse to the men and states, “find him and you will have my thanks. In my reward I’ll show you all my gratitude.” (19-20) Rostam is eager to recover the lost Rakhsh. In his futher statement he explains, “if you don’t, and he is lost to me, then many noble lords will lose their heads.” (21-22) Shah of Semengan does not allow the loss of Rakhsh to angst Rostam, he offers him wine and wants him to remain worry free. Later on in the night after numerous glasses of wine Shah of Semengan offers him a chamber at his home for Rostam to get rest. During the night Rostam encounters Princess Tahmine, daughter of Shah of Semengan. Nine months later she will give birth to their child Sohrab who possesses the quality and strength of his heroic father Rostam.

Lysistrata

Revised
Lysistrata is an old Greek comedy by Aristophanes during the Peloponnesian War circa 411 B.C. The play is enjoyable and creative in its writing while it incorporates strength and unity from women. Lysistrata has determination and is eager to annul an ongoing war between her country Greece and opposing Sparta. She would like for the army of men to give up the fight and return home. Her first attempt at organizing a meeting for women to attend is unsuccessful. She manages to gather few women who she believes are able to help cease this war. In order to do this Lysistrata suggests to the women that they must abstain from sex with their husbands upon their return home. She says, “We can force our husbands to negotiate Peace, Ladies, by exercising steadfast Self-Control--By Total Abstinence.” (124-127) At first they are opposed to the idea.

Lysistrata's strength and persistence for ending the war does influence the women and they reevaluate their decisions. They eventually comply. With the help of Lampito, the united women of Greece rise above the stereotypical challenges they face from men and husbands in their society. They fight for peace and a solid Greece that is affected by this war against Sparta. This story proves that strength is in the numbers and unity prevails.

Original
Lysistrata is a Greek comedy that demonstrates strength in women in attempt to annul an ongoing war, thus saving Greece. The story opens with the main character Lysistrata in front of the Akropolis exclaiming to women of Athens. Here she makes an effort to organize a group of women who object the Peloponnesian War (war between Athenian and Spartan armies). Lysistrata is discouraged by the lack of response she receives from this all after many planned to meet. She then encounters her next door neighbor, Kleonike, expressing how dissatisfied she is with the women not attending. Kleonike is curious to know the whole purpose of Lysistrata’s meeting. Moments later Myrrhine and Lampito arrive. By this time Lysistrata is ready to suggest her plan on ending the Peloponnesian War, which their husbands are actively serving. As the three women are eager to know, Lysistrata proposes to end the war by women abstaining from sexual relation with their husbands. She says, “We can force our husbands to negotiate Peace, Ladies, by exercising steadfast Self-Control--By Total Abstinence.” (124-127) The women decline at first. The idea of a sexless relationship does not settle well with each of them. Lysistrata is in hope of bringing peace between the two armies and will do this by women being in control of mens’ sexual appetite. Also, she plans to burn Akropolis as a result no money to fund the war.