Cyrano de Bergerac

Reading Quiz: Act IV

1. Identify the following piece of dialogue and then reflect on its significance and irony.

“Be sure to keep him dry and warm!”

“Yes, yes—if possible—”

“See that he remains faithful!”

“Of course! If—”

“And have him write to me every single day!”

“That, I promise you.”

(127-128)

2. How does Cyrano want to die? (135)

3. Identify the following piece of dialogue and then reflect on its significance, especially in relation to Cyrano’s reaction to it.

“You heard that episode? Yes—rallying

My men for the third time, I found myself

Carried among a crowd of fugitives

Into the enemy’s lines. I was in danger

Of being shot or captured; but I thought

Quickly—took off and flung away the scarf

That marked my military rank—and so

Being inconspicuous, escaped among

My own force, rallied them, returned again

And won the day!” (139)

4. Briefly describe how Christian finally realizes the truth about Cyrano loving Roxane.

5. Identify the following piece of dialogue and then reflect on its significance and irony.

“Be happy! You must have suffered; for you must have seen

How frivolous I was; and to be loved

For the mere costume, the poor casual body

You went about in—to a soul like yours,

That must have been torture! Therefore with words

You revealed your heart. Now that image of you

Which filled my eyes first—I see better now,

And I see it no more!”

6. Why doesn’t Cyrano tell Roxane the truth at the end of Act IV? Was it the right decision? Give your opinion.

7. Identify the following piece of dialogue and then reflect on its significance.

“I have two deaths to avenge now—Christian’s and my own!”

8. What are your predictions for the final act?