Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. 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?
2. How does the play's comedic style
change in Act III? Why do you think Rostand changes his tactics
at this point? After Act III, is it still fair to call the play
a comedy?
3. Is Roxane worthy
of the love that Cyrano feels for her, or is she simply a romantic
ideal of womanhood to him?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What values does Cyrano live
by? How does he put his values into practice? How does his ridiculous
nose affect his life?
2. What makes Cyrano
de Bergerac a historical romance rather than a realistic
evocation of a time and place? What are some of the ways in which
Rostand works The Three Musketeers into his story
line?
3. Discuss the development of
de Guiche 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?
4. Does Cyrano de Bergerac have
a happy ending? Why or why not?
5. 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.
