Literary Devices in Cyrano de Bergerac ✍️

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and romantic world of “Cyrano de Bergerac” 🌹, a play written by the French playwright Edmond Rostand in 1897. This masterpiece, set in the 17th century, is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and wit, captivating audiences and readers for over a century.

Contents

Edmond Rostand, born in 1868, was a French poet and dramatist known for his neo-romantic plays. “Cyrano de Bergerac” is his most famous work, and it has remained a significant part of the theatrical repertoire worldwide. The play is written in verse, in the tradition of the French classical drama, showcasing Rostand’s incredible skill in blending poetic expression with dramatic narrative.

The genre of “Cyrano de Bergerac” is often described as a heroic comedy because it combines elements of classical tragedy with comedic aspects. It tells the story of Cyrano, a gifted poet and swordsman with a large nose, who believes his appearance makes him unworthy of the love of his cousin, Roxane. The play explores themes of inner beauty, love, and heroism, making it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences across generations.

Plot Summary

The play unfolds in Paris during the 1640s, a time of grandeur and conflict. Here’s a breakdown of the main events:

Exposition — The story begins at the Hotel de Bourgogne, where we meet Cyrano de Bergerac, a skilled poet and swordsman known for his prodigious nose. Cyrano is in love with his beautiful and intelligent cousin, Roxane, but he fears she could never love him because of his appearance.

Rising Action — Cyrano discovers that Roxane is in love with Christian de Neuvillette, a new recruit in the guards, who is handsome but lacks Cyrano’s way with words. Despite his feelings for Roxane, Cyrano agrees to help Christian woo her by writing her letters on his behalf, showcasing his eloquent poetry and depth of feeling.

Climax — Under the balcony scene, Cyrano, hidden in the shadows, speaks to Roxane, allowing Christian to woo her with words that Cyrano provides. This moment is the emotional peak, where Cyrano’s eloquence and passion win Roxane’s heart, though she believes it’s Christian speaking.

Falling Action — The war with Spain intervenes, and both Cyrano and Christian join the fight. Tragically, Christian is killed in battle, but before dying, he asks Cyrano to confess the truth to Roxane. Cyrano, however, cannot bring himself to destroy her ideal image of Christian.

Resolution — Years later, Roxane resides in a convent, mourning Christian. Cyrano visits her weekly but never reveals his authorship of the letters. In the end, fatally injured, Cyrano recites one of the letters from memory, and Roxane realizes that it was Cyrano, not Christian, who was her true love. Cyrano dies content, having been loved for who he truly was, if only for a moment.

The plot of “Cyrano de Bergerac” is a tragicomic tale of love, honor, and the beauty of the soul, with Cyrano as its unforgettable hero, whose spirit transcends the physical bounds of his appearance.

Character Analysis

Let’s explore the main characters of “Cyrano de Bergerac” and their intricate layers:

Cyrano de Bergerac — A complex hero, Cyrano is witty, brave, and poetic. Despite his physical appearance, marked by a large nose, he possesses a vibrant spirit and a tender heart. His love for Roxane drives much of the plot, yet his insecurities about his appearance prevent him from revealing his true feelings. Throughout the play, Cyrano demonstrates immense courage and loyalty, retaining his dignity and principles until the end.

Roxane — Intelligent and beautiful, Roxane is not just a romantic interest but a strong, independent character. She values wit and intelligence, which is why she falls in love with the soul of Cyrano, even though she believes it to be Christian’s. Her journey is one of discovery, as she evolves from an idealistic view of romance to understanding the deeper aspects of love.

Christian de Neuvillette — The handsome young soldier who lacks the poetic soul that Roxane cherishes. His character represents the superficial criteria by which society often judges love. Despite his limitations, he shows a deep respect and genuine love for Roxane, and his integrity shines when he insists that Cyrano reveal the truth.

Here is a summary table of their character analysis:

Character	Personality	Motivations	Character Development
Cyrano de Bergerac	Witty, brave, loyal	To love Roxane, remain honorable, and express himself	Transforms from hidden lover to tragic hero
Roxane	Intelligent, idealistic	To find true love that satisfies her intellect and heart	Grows to recognize and value inner beauty
Christian de Neuvillette	Handsome, honest	To win Roxane’s love, to be true to himself	Learns about the depth of love beyond appearances

These characters drive the narrative of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” each bringing a unique perspective on love, beauty, and honor, and their development is central to the play’s enduring impact.

Themes and Symbols

“Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand is rich with themes and symbols that add depth to its romantic and tragic narrative. Let’s delve into these elements:

Themes

— Inner Beauty vs. Outer Appearance: The contrast between Cyrano’s unattractive nose and his beautiful soul is central to the play. This theme is explored through Cyrano’s character and his secret love for Roxane, highlighting that true beauty comes from within.

— Love and Sacrifice: Cyrano’s love for Roxane leads him to sacrifice his happiness for hers, helping Christian to woo her. This theme demonstrates the selflessness of true love and the pain that often accompanies it.

— Deception and Truth: The use of letters and the act of speaking for Christian create a web of deception. The theme questions the value of truth in relationships and the consequences of deceit.

— Honor and Heroism: Cyrano is the epitome of the honorable hero, sticking to his principles even in the face of death. His life reflects the play’s exploration of what it means to be truly honorable and heroic.

Symbols

— Cyrano’s Nose: More than just a physical feature, Cyrano’s nose symbolizes his unique character, including his pride, vulnerability, and the barrier he perceives in winning Roxane’s love.

— The Letters: Representing Cyrano’s hidden love and eloquence, the letters symbolize the power of words and the pain of unexpressed feelings.

— The White Plume: As a symbol of Cyrano’s integrity and honor, the white plume remains unstained, representing his unwavering principles and identity.

These themes and symbols are woven intricately into the fabric of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” creating a rich tapestry of meaning that enhances the story’s emotional and intellectual impact.

Style and Tone

Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac” is celebrated for its unique style and tone, which contribute significantly to the mood and atmosphere of the play. Let’s break down these elements:

— Poetic and Lyrical: Rostand employs a rhymed verse, particularly in the form of Alexandrine lines (12 syllables per line), lending a musical and poetic quality to the dialogue. This choice enhances the romantic and noble aspects of the story, fitting the play’s 17th-century setting and its larger-than-life hero.

— Witty and Humorous: The tone often shifts to wit and humor, especially in Cyrano’s dialogues, showcasing his intelligence and charm. The playful banter and clever repartee lighten the dramatic moments and endear the characters to the audience.

— Romantic and Passionate: At its core, the play is a love story, imbued with a sense of passion and idealism. The tone reflects this in its earnest and sometimes lofty expressions of love, honor, and beauty.

— Tragic and Reflective: Despite the comedic elements, the play’s tone takes on a tragic weight as the story progresses, reflecting on themes of unrequited love, personal sacrifice, and the nature of true beauty.

The combination of these stylistic elements and tones creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that captures the audience’s imagination, drawing them into the poetic world of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Literary Devices Used in Cyrano de Bergerac

1. Metaphor —

Metaphors are used extensively to convey complex emotions and themes, such as Cyrano’s nose representing his personal struggle and the societal focus on outer appearance. For example, Cyrano’s description of his nose as a “conquest” symbolizes his battle with self-image and societal acceptance.

2. Irony —

The dramatic irony in Roxane’s ignorance of Cyrano’s true feelings and authorship of the letters adds a poignant layer to the narrative. The audience knows Cyrano’s secret, which creates tension and sympathy for his unspoken love.

3. Alliteration —

Rostand employs alliteration to enhance the musicality of the text, such as in the lines describing battle scenes or romantic declarations, which adds rhythm and emphasis to the dialogue.

4. Hyperbole —

Cyrano’s exaggerated descriptions of his nose serve not only as comic relief but also to underscore his feelings of inadequacy and the absurdity of societal standards.

5. Personification —

Inanimate objects or abstract concepts are often personified, giving life to the setting and the emotional landscape. For example, Cyrano’s sword is described as if it has its own will during duels, embodying his skill and spirit.

6. Simile —

Similes are used to draw comparisons that illuminate characters’ qualities and emotions, like Cyrano’s wit being compared to a sharp blade, highlighting his mental acuity and verbal prowess.

7. Symbolism —

Symbols like the white plume represent Cyrano’s unwavering integrity and honor, standing out against the darker themes of war and deceit.

8. Foreshadowing —

The play contains elements of foreshadowing that hint at future events, particularly relating to Cyrano’s fate and the tragic unfolding of his concealed love.

9. Anaphora —

Repetition of phrases, especially in Cyrano’s speeches, emphasizes his passionate beliefs and the intensity of the emotions expressed.

10. Oxymoron —

The use of oxymorons, such as describing something as “painfully beautiful,” captures the complex emotions and contradictions within the characters and their experiences.

These literary devices are skillfully woven into the fabric of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” enriching the narrative and deepening the audience’s engagement with the story’s themes and characters.

Literary Device Examples

Metaphor

Example: Cyrano’s nose described as “the great promontory.” Explanation: This metaphor exaggerates the size of Cyrano’s nose, symbolizing his larger-than-life personality and the challenges he faces due to his appearance.
Example: “My white plume.” Explanation: Represents Cyrano’s honor and integrity, untouched and pure even in the face of adversity.
Example: “A love that consumes itself as a candle in the dark.” Explanation: Describes the nature of unrequited love, burning brightly but in solitude, reflecting Cyrano’s hidden passion for Roxane.

Irony

Example: Roxane declares her love for Christian, thinking she loves him for his soul, which is actually Cyrano’s. Explanation: This situational irony highlights the tragic disconnect between Cyrano’s true identity and Roxane’s perception.
Example: Cyrano’s bravery and strength contrasted with his insecurity about his nose. Explanation: This irony shows the contrast between his external valor and internal vulnerability.
Example: Roxane’s admiration for the letters, unaware of their true author. Explanation: Demonstrates dramatic irony where the audience knows something the character does not, adding depth to the emotional landscape.

Alliteration

Example: “Boldly brave and brightly burning.” Explanation: Used to emphasize Cyrano’s heroic and passionate nature.
Example: “Sweet sounds of serenading sighs.” Explanation: Enhances the romantic atmosphere of the scenes where love is expressed.
Example: “Fierce fights and fiery foes.” Explanation: Captures the intensity and danger of the battles Cyrano faces.

This approach of using specific examples helps in understanding how Rostand’s use of literary devices in “Cyrano de Bergerac” effectively contributes to the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the play.

Cyrano de Bergerac – FAQs

Question: What is the main conflict in “Cyrano de Bergerac”? Answer: The main conflict in “Cyrano de Bergerac” is internal and revolves around Cyrano’s feelings of unworthiness due to his large nose, which he believes makes him unlovable to Roxane, despite his deep love and admiration for her. This internal conflict is compounded by the external conflict of helping Christian woo Roxane with his words, leading to a complex triangle of unrequited love and hidden truths.

Question: How does Cyrano de Bergerac’s appearance affect his life and relationships? Answer: Cyrano’s large nose is a source of personal insecurity and social ridicule, affecting his self-esteem and interactions with others. Despite his many talents and noble qualities, Cyrano believes his appearance makes him unworthy of Roxane’s love, leading him to hide his feelings and engage in a heartbreaking charade to make her happy, reflecting the play’s exploration of appearance versus reality.

Question: What are the key themes in “Cyrano de Bergerac”? Answer: Key themes include the nature of beauty and love, the conflict between appearance and reality, the value of personal integrity and honor, and the pain of unrequited love. These themes are explored through the complex characters and dramatic plot, offering a deep commentary on human nature and societal expectations.

Question: Who is Roxane in love with, and how does her understanding of love evolve? Answer: Roxane initially falls in love with Christian for his physical beauty and what she perceives as his poetic soul, conveyed through the letters actually written by Cyrano. Over time, her understanding of love evolves as she realizes the depth of Cyrano’s affection and intellect, leading her to appreciate the inner beauty and soulful connection more than mere physical appearance.

Question: What is the significance of the white plume in the play? Answer: The white plume symbolizes Cyrano’s steadfast honor and integrity. It represents his moral code and values, remaining untarnished despite the various challenges and moral dilemmas he faces. In the end, the plume is a powerful symbol of Cyrano’s unyielding spirit and commitment to living by his principles.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D
1. What motivates Cyrano to help Christian woo Roxane?	His desire for poetic expression	His love for Roxane	His sense of honor	Both B and C
2. How does Cyrano view his own physical appearance?	With indifference	With pride	With contempt	With jealousy
3. What does the white plume symbolize in the play?	Cyrano’s secret love for Roxane	Christian’s innocence	Cyrano’s honor and integrity	Roxane’s purity
4. What literary device is prominently used in Cyrano’s speeches?	Simile	Irony	Anaphora	Metaphor
5. What is the climax of the play?	The duel with Valvert	The balcony scene	Christian’s death at the war front	Roxane’s realization of Cyrano’s love

The correct answers to these questions will test comprehension of key elements of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” including character motivations, themes, and literary techniques used by Edmond Rostand.

Exercise

Read the following paragraph from “Cyrano de Bergerac” and identify the literary devices used:

“Cyrano, with his sword drawn, facing his enemies, declared, ‘Though you number more than I, your cowardice makes you less. My valor grows with challenge, like a flame that rises higher against the wind.’ His voice, a melody of defiance, carried the weight of his words, turning fear into an anthem of courage.”

Answers:

Metaphor: “My valor grows with challenge, like a flame that rises higher against the wind” – Compares Cyrano’s courage to a flame that intensifies with opposition.
Personification: “His voice, a melody of defiance” – Gives human characteristic to his voice, describing it as a melody, which conveys Cyrano’s spirit and resistance.
Simile: “like a flame that rises higher against the wind” – Directly compares his growing valor to the behavior of flame in the wind, illustrating the nature of his bravery.
Hyperbole: “Though you number more than I, your cowardice makes you less” – Exaggerates the enemies’ inferiority in courage compared to Cyrano, emphasizing his fearless nature and contempt for their numbers.

This exercise helps in understanding how different literary devices are employed to enhance the narrative and develop the character’s persona in “Cyrano de Bergerac.”