Impressions of Egypt and Rome in First Two Scenes of Antony and Cleopatra

Impressions of Egypt and Rome in First Two Scenes of Antony and Cleopatra

In the first two scenes of Antony and Cleopatra, we are introduced to

Egypt and Rome through the images and language used by the characters

in the play. Although the contrast between the two countries is

emphasised, we are also shown the way in which the two cultures are

often merged by the presence of the Romans in the Egyptian

environment. Egypt is predominantly presented to us as a liberal,

hedonistic society, where precedence is given to banquets and

pleasure-seeking, and it is full of female characteristics. On the

other hand, Rome is an extremely masculine, military-based society.

Importance is placed on discipline and physical strength, as opposed

to the self-interest which they see so much of in the Egyptian court.

Egypt is ruled by a Queen, which in itself is very significant as it

demonstrates the female-domination of Egyptian society. Cleopatra

occasionally mentions her dislike of the Roman ways, "A Roman thought

hath struck him," which shows the distance between the two cultures,

and suggest the Roman thoughts are violent and harsh. In fact, all the

Egyptians we have so far been introduced to are female, with the

exception of the Alexas, who is taunted by his female counterparts.

"O, let him/marry a woman that cannot go," Charmian playfully prays

that he will unable to consummate his marriage. We are also told of

the eunuchs, who have been castrated, and so had their male identity

removed. This suggests the sexual ambiguity in the court, and implies

that masculinity is not important.

The Egyptians are very sexually motivated and aware; they are...

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...enced by Cleopatra's patronising speech, and

creates the typical Egyptian imagery in a Roman context. He also says,

"Not a minute of our lives should stretch/Without some pleasure,"

which is a very hedonistic, Egyptian idea. Even Enobarbus is

influenced in his cheerfully erotic comments to Antony, "I have seen

her die twenty times on far poorer moment."

All in all, the way in which Egyptand Rome are portrayed in the first

two scenes of Antony and Cleopatra is designed to highlight the

contrast between them, by describing the mutual contempt between them.

The Romans dislike the self-interested, indulgent Egyptian society,

whilst the Egyptians have no respect for the Roman self-imposed

discipline. However, the two cultures do have an affect on each other,

and it is interesting to see how they respond to this influence.