Final answer:
The conclusion of Lysistrata by Aristophanes is a comedic resolution with women ending a war, showcasing bold female agency within a comic framework filled with satire. On the opposite, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen ends with the protagonist Nora making a dramatic exit from her family life, reflecting a somber challenge to patriarchal society and highlighting the progression in playwriting from lighthearted comedy to serious drama.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing the endings of Lysistrata by Aristophanes and A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen provides insight into the contrast between Greek comedy and modern drama. In Lysistrata, the play concludes with a comedic resolution where the women's sex strike compels the Greek men to negotiate peace, effectively ending the Peloponnesian War. This ending highlights the power and agency of women in a comic yet subversive fashion, filled with Aristophanes' trademark political satire and ribald humor.
In contrast, A Doll's House ends with Nora's profound personal choice as she decides to leave her husband and children in pursuit of her own identity. The sound of the door shutting behind her signifies the end of her personal journey and is symbolic of her breaking away from the patriarchal expectations of the time. This marked a radical departure from the conventional roles of women in the 19th century, prompting debate and controversy amongst its audience.
These endings not only represent the evolution of dramatic narrative but also the shifting societal norms from ancient Greece to 19th-century Europe. While both plays feature strong female protagonists challenging societal expectations, Lysistrata concludes with lighthearted victory, and A Doll's House with a profound, unsettling act of self-liberation that leaves audiences contemplating the nature of societal conventions and individual autonomy.