Cyrano

Cyrano De Bergerac is beautiful. As I read the play, I found myself completely enamored by Cyrano’s love for Roxane, and Cyrano himself for his valor and wit. Indeed, Cyrano is truly heroic; however, that heroism does not stem from his dueling skills or victories in battle. Cyrano is a hero, because he is prepared to forfeit his own happiness to bring happiness to others. For instance, before Christian dies, Cyrano tells Christian that Roxane truly loves him; to further the valor he hides from Roxane that he wrote the letters, not Christian.

Cyrano’s nose also provides a unique aspect of his character. With all of his wonderful qualities (from his eloquence to his bravery), Cyrano’s nose stops him from having true love. I find this ironic for such a well-cultured, courageous and poetic man to impede on his love because of his fear of rejection. However, I also think this is what makes Cyrano more relatable to the audience, because that fear is common. There is certain imagery when looking into the love triangle between Christian, Roxane, and Cyrano. For example, I see Christian as the body and Cyrano as the soul, and both captivate Roxane. That is why Roxane’s confession that she would love Christian whether he was grotesque or not, reveals to Cyrano that Roxane loves the soul, the letters— that she loves Cyrano.

(In addition, I find it funny that we read this romantic story after Hedda Gabler.)