Cyrano DeBergerac
Essays*

1. Compare and contrast Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Consider characters, theme, and tone. Look very specifically at the parallel balcony scenes amd how each play ends. How does each play privilege language? Be sure to discuss not just what the connections between the plays are, but why they are significant. Analyze, don't summarize!

2. Discuss Rostand's use of dramatic irony in Cyrano de Bergerac. Mention at least three instances of dramatic irony in the play, and, more importantly, discuss the effect it has on the audience: How does dramatic irony affect the way we feel towards the characters? The action in the play? With whom do we sympathize and why?

3. Consider the characters of Cyrano and Christian. They both profess to love Madeliene Robin, called Roxane. However, you may have noticed some differences in the way they manifest their loves. Characterize the way in which each man loves Roxane. Use specific examples to back up your case. Finally, who do you believe loves Roxane more?

4. Compare and contrast Cyrano and Christian. Do they have any similarities besides their love for Roxane? Why is Cyrano so sad when Christian dies, apart from his realization that he himself will never be able to tell Roxane he loves her? Is there any other reason?

5. Roxane's character is one of the most dynamic in the play. For this essay, discuss the character of Roxane and consider how she changes and evolves from the beginning of the play to the end. Is Roxane worthy of the love that Cyrano feels for her, or is she simply a romantic ideal of womanhood to him? Use specific examples to support your argument.

6. Cyrano is a character who modifies his behavior based on who else is around - there is often a marked difference between the "public" Cyrano and the "private" man. Discuss these differences and provide specific examples. Under what circumstances does Cyrano reveal his "private" self? How does his ability to change for an audience affect his lfie? Discuss the consequences such a dichotomous existence has for Cyrano.

7. Discuss the character of de Guiche and how he develops from a scheming politician into a valiant Gascon soldier. What enables him to accomplish his transformation? Does he sustain it until the end of the play?

8. Try to take a different, somewhat deconstructed view of this play. What would Cyrano's life be like if he did not have such an outstanding nose? Would he have the same personality, feelings, or outlook on the world? Discuss the ways in which his curse may actually be a blessing.

9. Two of the most important characters die and our hero doesn't get to be with his lady love after a lifetime of unfulfilled longing. Why is this a comedy, not a tragedy? Explore the definitions of both comedy and tragedy and determine which you can prove best fits this play.

10. How does Rostand anticipate the action of some of the most important scenes? In otherwords, how does he prepare readers or give hints of an upcoming scene? What smalldetails or minor characters does he use to do this?

11. How does the beginning of the first act set the stage for the rest of the play in terms of tone and themes.

 

*Some Essay Assignments from Ms Victoria Cruz , Oakton High School, Vienna, Virginia.

Updated 31 May 2010.
Back to Cyrano
or Assignments.
Home
.