Cyrano’s death scene mimics his overall plight. Denied
the chance to die in battle on the sword of a hero, he instead dies
after being ambushed by a falling log . Cyrano’s death, like his
character, is simultaneously tragic, ironic, and comedic. However,
he always manages to elude his fated failure, and he dies fighting
not against a mortal hero but against the specters of falsehood,
cowardice, and compromise—all of his “old enemies.” Throughout the
play, Cyrano suffers both because of his appearance and because
of his unwillingness to sacrifice his principles. By this time,
his long nose has become a symbol of his honorable nature
and a reminder of its consequences. Cyrano dies fighting unconquerable
vices but he knowing that Roxane loves him at last, despite his
appearance. He says he will take his unstained white plume with
him to heaven—the white plume is the mark of a leader on the battlefield
and the symbol of courage. He may die, but his honor will remain
pure and unstained.
Cyrano’s painful realization that his life has been a
failure looms over the brief bits of humor. He argues that his life
has been largely unfulfilling despite moments of fleeting success.
Throughout the play, Cyrano has displayed courage and bravado, but
he never attains his goals or realizes his dreams. Tragically, Roxane
comes to know his secret and love him only after he has been dealt
his final blow. For these reasons, some critics consider Cyrano
de Bergerac a heroic tragedy rather than a heroic comedy.
