This is Edmond Rostand's immortal play in which chivalry and wit, bravery and love are forever captured in the timeless spirit of romance. Set in Louis XIII's reign, it is the moving and exciting drama of one of the finest swordsmen in France, gallant soldier, brilliant wit, tragic poet-lover with the face of a clown.
Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, first performed in 1897, is a classic French play that blends romance, wit, and heroism with themes of love, honor, and self-identity. The play is set in 17th-century France and centers around Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant and charismatic poet, soldier, and swordsman, but also a man deeply self-conscious about his large nose, which he believes makes him unworthy of love.
Cyrano is in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane, but he believes that his appearance makes it impossible for her to love him in return. Instead, he secretly helps Christian, a handsome but somewhat simple soldier, woo Roxane by writing eloquent letters and speaking to her on Christian's behalf, even though Roxane believes the poetic words come from Christian himself. Cyrano's internal conflict — his love for Roxane and his desire to protect her from superficiality — is at the heart of the drama, and his noble sense of honor and wit provide much of the play's humor and pathos.
The play is known for its memorable dialogue, especially Cyrano's famous monologue in which he defends his appearance, declaring that he would rather be true to his own identity than conform to society’s shallow standards. The story is both comedic and tragic, as Cyrano’s self-sacrificial love ultimately leads to moments of deep emotional tension, particularly when the truth about the letters is revealed too late.
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Categories: Fiction Historical Literature Classics