It also offers insights into the powerful self- consciousness experienced by Egyptian writers when comparing themselves to European culture, a self-consciousness paralleled by the needs of nation- alist politicians to prove their country's integrity overseas. The judges of Taymür's articles seemed concerned with the improper importation of for- eign dramatic customs (like American-style advertising) and poor transla- tions, issues about which Taymür had previously voiced his concern.Yet the issue of realism that so strongly concerned Taymür in other writings is put aside here. As foreigners the judges are in no position to question the real- ism of the accused's work, but have full authority over artistic standards. What is most important in these articles, then, is the question of where Egypt stands as a culture with respect to Europe.When compared with such august luminaries as Molière and Corneille, Taymür seems to say, we Egyptians are only comical imitators.

Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Coloni…, loc. 949