Cyrano de Bergerac Study Questions

Before taking the final exam on Monday, please read through all of your notes on Cyrano and prepare for all of the questions below. Then look through the essay prompt. Make an outline (look at the sample outline if you want) and begin looking for quotations. Write out the topic for each body paragraph, your quotations, and your thesis statement before you take the exam. You may use one page of notes (your outline) on the essay portion of the exam. You may earn up to 5% extra credit on the final exam if you also complete the study questions thoroughly.

 

1.    Explain why Cyrano insults his own nose and what it shows about him in the Act I nose speech.

2.    What does the white plume/panache symbolize in Cyrano's final speech?

3.    Reflect on the importance of the following lines from the balcony scene.

"I remember last year, the First of May,
A little before noon, you had your hair
Drawn low, that one time only. Is that strange?
You know how, after looking at the sun,
One sees red suns everywhere--so for hours
After the flood of sunshine that you are
My eyes are blinded by your burning hair"
and
"But to-night . . . but to-night, I indeed speak for the first time."
and
"But such a babe is dangerous; why not have smothered it new-born?"

4.    Why do you think Roxane isn't angry with Cyrano when he finally tells the truth about the letters?

5.    Why did Roxane move to the convent after Christian died? Was it a good choice? Why do you think she never wondered about Cyrano's role?

6.    What confusion occurs during Roxane and Cyrano's conversation in Act II (at Ragueneau’s bakery)? What are they thinking?

7.    What was Christian's first impression of Roxane? Does that impression change? What kind of love does he feel towards her?

8.    What is revealed about Cyrano in the Poem-duel scene? Why is this an imporant scene at the beginning of the play?

9.    What does the following quotation mean and what does it show about Cyrano's character? "Tonight, when I march into heaven, I will carry with me something tall and proud, unbent by the world"

10.  In Act III, what was Roxane trying to do with De Guiche?

11.  What is the symbolism of the sword, the pen, and the white plume in Cyrano? How are these symbols connected?

12.  Why does Cyrano help Christian so many times?

13.  How does Roxane change in her attitude about love? Why?

14.  If you were Roxane, how would you react to Cyrano telling you the truth about the letters after 15 years?

15.  Describe the following characters: Ligniere, Ragueneau, Montfleury, De Guiche, Le Bret

16.  Why did Cyrano wait so long and then finally tell Roxane the truth? What would have been the best time to tell her and why?

17.  Explain the symbolism of Cyrano/Christian’s final letter? Be sure to discuss the letter itself and the tears and blood on it.

18.   Define metaphor. Give an example from the play. How does Rostand’s use of metaphor contribute to the play?

19.  What does Roxane mean when she says, "I never loved but one man in my life, and I have lost him—twice?"

20.  Define dramatic irony. Give two examples from the play and explain how they are ironic. How does irony contribute to the play as a whole?

21.     How does De Guiche change during the play?

 

 

 

Test format

7 - 8 quotation identifications

6 - 8 short answer (selected from the above questions)
1 essay

 

Cyrano de Bergerac: Essay Topic

 

 Prompts
Carefully read the final passage from Cyrano de Bergerac and analyze its meaning in the context of the play as a whole. Analyze the passage specifically and then step back to discuss its importance to the play as a whole.

1. Analyze the final passage of the play (194-195). Use the following questions to help you focus your essay. What does Cyrano’s final speech reveal about his character? Why won’t Cyrano give up and die peacefully? What is the symbolism of the white plume? What does the final line of the play signify? What has Cyrano achieved by the end of the play? Has his life been in vain? Why does Rostand end his play with this passage? Use specific lines from the passage to support your points and be sure to analyze the passage in the context of the play as a whole.

Make an outline to use on the final exam. Write out your thesis statement, decide the topic for each body paragraph, find your quotations. Print this out on Friday so that you have it ready to go for the exam on Monday.