Page "Antony and Cleopatra" Paragraph 84

According to James Hirsh, Rome largely defines itself by its opposition to Egypt.

Where Rome is viewed as structured, moral, mature, and essentially masculine, Egypt is the polar opposite ; chaotic, immoral, immature, and feminine.

In fact even the distinction between masculine and feminine is a purely Roman idea which the Egyptians largely ignore.

The Romans view the “ world ” as nothing more than something for them to conquer and control.

They believe they are “ impervious to environmental influence ” and that they are not to be influenced and controlled by the world but vice versa.