Act one: a performance at the hotel de bourgogne Cyrano de bergerac Act one: a performance at the hotel de bourgogne

Reading assessment question How does Rostand prepare the audience for Cyrano’s first entrance on stage? Do you feel this is an effective technique? Why or why not? Why is it important to prepare the audience before the main character’s appearance on stage?

This is an extra slide and doesn’t need to be included in group presentations. Edmond Rostand Born April 1,1868, in Marseilles, France, to an artistic family Studied law in Paris but his real love was literature Married the poet, Rosemond Gerard, and presented his first book, a volume of poems, to her as a wedding gift Cyrano de Bergerac, his masterpiece, came out in 1897. It was very different from plays of the time which had moved beyond the Romantic ideals and included realistic plots and social problems of the time. Many of his later works were not popular. Later in life he moved to southern Paris. As a supporter of the French in WWI, he visited the trenches and was shocked greatly. He died in Paris on December 2, 1918.

Act one: summary Setting: France, 1640 at the hall of the Hotel de Bourgogne Before the production of La Clorise, several audience members arrive; everyone has different motives for attending the play. Christian, accompanied by his new friend Ligniere, is in search of a lady with whom he has fallen in love. Ragueneau arrives in search of Cyrano. He is surprised that Cyrano isn’t there yet because Montfleury is scheduled to perform tonight and Cyrano has forbidden Montfleury from the stage. Cyrano’s character and nose make an appearance in the play before the character himself. Cavaliers: show off fencing skills Lackeys: gambling in a candlelit corner Citizens: actually there for the play itself Pages: practical jokes and pranks Cut-purse: pick pockets and steal from the rich Marquis: to see and be seen

Act one: More summary Roxane arrives in her box seat at the theatre. Ligniere shares her story with Christian, including the plot by DeGuiche for her to marry Valvert. Christian attempts to challenge Valvert to a duel but instead learns that Ligniere’s life is endangered. Montfleury takes the stage only to be removed by Cyrano who pays off the actors and theatre patrons. A meddling citizen and then Valvert insult Cyrano’s nose. Cyrano defeats Valvert first with words then with his sword (and words). Valvert looks like a complete fool.

Act one: summary again Le Bret questions Cyrano’s intentions because he has no money and now maybe no friends. Cyrano admits that he loves Roxane but won’t tell her because his greatest fear in the world is that she will laugh at him. Roxane’s duenna arrives and delivers the message that Roxane wishes to meet with Cyrano tomorrow morning. Cyrano’s mood improves greatly. Ligniere stumbles in after receiving Christian’s warning about the ambush at the Porte de Nesle. Cyrano offers to defend Ligniere, his friend, against the “giants.”

Emerging themes/Motifs/symbols Appearances— Fashion is incredibly important, and individuals spent much time and effort on their outward appearance. Christian is good looking but not very fashionably dressed. Cyrano doesn’t concern himself with his outward appearance. He “wears his adornments on his soul.” Dueling— Christian attempts to challenge Valvert to a duel. Cyrano and Valvert duel. Cyrano recites a ballad about the duel as they duel. Ligniere is ambushed by 100 men (sent by DeGuiche) and Cyrano intends to take on all of them in defense of Ligniere.

more themes/Motifs/symbols Deception— Cyrano’s not willing to let Roxane know his true feelings for her. When LeBret encourages him to let Roxane know how he feels, he shares his fear that she might laugh at him. Language— Men were measured by their eloquence and wit as much as their bravado with a sword. Christian admits that he “can’t talk to a woman in that style.” Cyrano has an amazing ability to manipulate words. He puts Valvert in his place with examples of insults Valvert might have used had Valvert “some tinge of letters, or of wit to color [his] discourse.” Cyrano and Valvert duel not only with swords but with words.

themes/Motifs/symbols again Cleverness— Characters are judged by their ability to soliloquize, rhyme, and compose at the drop of a hat. Cyrano himself, takes pride in his wit and never backs down from an opportunity to show off. Cyrano’s witty intelligence comes to largely define his identity. Courage— Duels are fought and lives are lost all in the name of courage. Cyrano’s courage seems reckless and showy. He removes Montfleury from the stage because he is a bad actor and Montfleury has shown interest in Roxane. Cyrano takes on 100 men at the Port de Nesle for his friend Ligniere.

Character development (in the order in which they appear) Ligniere— Frequently drunk Knows everyone and writes satirical songs/poems about them Defended by both Christian and Cyrano Christian— New to Paris and to the Guards Handsome but lacks the ability to speak eloquently A loyal friend—defends both Ligniere and Roxane Ragueneau— A pastry chef who loves poetry A good friend of Cyrano’s

More Characters Le Bret— Cyrano’s friend and closest confidante Worried about Cyrano’s irresponsible choices Roxane— Cyrano’s beautiful cousin The love interest of many men De Guiche— Powerful nobleman, married to the Cardinal’s niece, but in love with Roxane Not fond of Cyrano

Character development again Valvert— A spineless follower of De Guiche Agrees to marry Roxane to accommodate De Guiche’s desire for her Cyrano de Bergerac— An extraordinary man, a best friend, and a brave soul A poet, swordsman, musician, and philosopher Cursed with a ridiculously large nose which makes him insecure and arrogant at the same time Montfleury— A terrible actor whom Cyrano banned from the stage Has eyed Roxane which disgusts Cyrano

Passage analysis “Cyrano [to Le Bret]: My old friend—look at me, And tell me how much hope remains for me With this protuberance!” (49). Situation: Le Bret discovers that Cyrano loves Roxane and advises him to tell her. Significance: Cyrano’s reply reveals his absolute conviction that no woman could ever love him because of his huge nose. His lack of self-confidence is robbing him of the chance to be united with the woman he loves. Questions: Will Cyrano overcome his preoccupation with his appearance in order to have a relationship with Roxane? Or will he hide behind his nose, never revealing his true feelings?

Connections “Introduction to romanticism” Romanticism: an 18th and 19th century literary movement Characteristics of Romanticism: Imagination over Reason Nature Symbolism/Myth Emotions Importance of the Individual Everyday and Exotic Imagination is the ultimate “shaping” or creative power; bound closely with nature and symbols--Importance of imagination—Romantics legitimized the individual imagination as a critical authority. Nature itself is a work of art or organic, not scientific/rational--Awe of nature—Romantics stressed the awe of nature in art and language and the experience of sublimity through a connection with nature. Romantics rejected the rationalization of nature by the previous thinkers of the Enlightenment period. Symbols can simultaneously suggest many things; therefore, superior to one-to-one of allegory. The desire to express the inexpressible. Myth is the narrative of symbolism. Strong senses, emotions, and feelings—Romantics believed that knowledge is gained through intuition rather than deduction. “The spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” Individual=unique, eccentric, boldness over restraint--Celebration of the individual—Romantics often elevated the achievements of the misunderstood, heroic individual outcast. Everyday and exotic—down-to-earth characters as well as supernatural--Interest in the common man and childhood—Romantics believed in the natural goodness of humans which is hindered by the urban life of civilization.

Romanticism in Act One Appeal to emotions—Most of Cyrano’s decisions are based on feelings rather than reason. Importance of the individual—Cyrano creates a spectacle at the theatre, proclaiming his independence and superiority, yet he doesn’t seem to brag or act conceited. Everyday and exotic—Both of these describe Cyrano’s character and actions. Imagination—Cyrano’s intellect and use of words shows him as very imaginative, often thinking figuratively, not literally.