After reading Act 4: What new dimensions does Roxane reveal in her conversation with Christian? What does she fail to see? What new sides to Christian do we see in this act? Why does Cyrano not tell Roxane the truth about the letters? Why does he not tell Christian the truth about Roxane? Do you agree with Christian when he says that it is really Cyrano whom Roxane loves? Explain.
How do you think Roxane would have responded if Cyrano had been able to tell her the truth about the letters and his feelings?
Comment on the different kinds of irony you find in Cyrano. Give references to any of the following topics that are important to Cyrano: inner vs. outer beauty/Idealism/Individualism/The Value of Language and Poetry/Different attitudes toward love. -ms h
Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano vs. Assasins
a fight to the death
It is so romantic that Cyrano would write Roxane twice everyday. I still don't understand why Roxane doesn't see that Cyrano is the one writing them. I can't believe Christian died! It showed how much Cyrano really loved Roxane by not telling her the truth about the letters. I wish he had told her but I think that if he had, she may have been too upset.
ReplyDelete-Sophie Wanek
Cyrano is a very good man. It must have been hard for him not to be able to tell Roxane how much he loved her. Cyrano had great humility for not telling Roxane that he wrote the letters. I agree with Christian in that it is Cyrano that Roxane loves. She told Christian that she would love him even if he was ugly. This proves that she would love Cyrano because he is ugly but can speak well.
ReplyDeleteRoxane reveals that she would be willing to love Christian even if he was a hideous beast. She says she loves him for his soul alone. What she still fails to realize is that soul part of Christian is Cyrano. We see that Christian also has a noble side too. He is willing to give up his love so that Cyrano may find true happiness with Roxane. We hadn't really seen this in him before.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Christian died! You don't expect that sort of thing in a comedy. That's so sad that Cyrano didn't tell Roxane that he had been writing the letters the whole time! It showed that Cyrano was brave and humble. But more importantly it showed his true love for Roxane. If he would have told her the truth it may have upset/disappointed her for a while, but I still wish he would have told her. She would have gotten over it and loved Cyrano.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how hungry those men were. It is funny when Roxane comes and requests that they make her all this food and they look all confused. It is really exciting when she brings out all the food. The imagery just makes me see all the suddenly bright eyes and eager smiles. It is also funny when de Guiche comes back and they hide the food from him. But, if I were the cadets, I would not have shared the food with him. I don't like him so I would not share- especially if I was starving to death!
ReplyDeleteRoxane admitts so Chrtistian that she would love him even if he was ugly and that she loves him only for his personality. I believe that Roxane loves Cyrano, and I think it is brave of Christian to want Roxane to know the truth about who is writing the letters. Also, I can't believe that Christian died!! I wish that Cyrano would have told Roxane that he was the one writing her the letters, because that would have been for the best in the long-run.
ReplyDelete-Jocelyn Chan (:(:
Throughout Cyrano so far, I have seen Christian as more of a flat character than a round character. He has not done anything to intentionaly harm Cyrano, and he has nothing against him. In Act IV, though, a new side of Christian comes out. He wants what is best for Roxane, himself, and Cyrano. So, he tries to convince Cyrano to tell Roxane that he wrote the love letters. This is a side of Christian that has not been shown before, and it was sad that he died.
ReplyDelete-Erin Young
Roxane reveals to Christian and Cyrano that even if Christian were ugly, she would still love him. Nothing could make her not love him because she is in love with his soul. What she fails to see is that Christian isn't really writing the letters but Cyrano, who is afraid Roxane won't love him because of his nose, is writing them. Cyrano is about to tell her, but then the unthinkable happens and Christian dies. I think that since Cyrano didn't tell Roxane that he wrote the letters, it shows how much he really loves her.
ReplyDelete-Lauren McAuliff
Roxanne reveals that Christian could be very ugly and horribly unatractictive, yet she would stil love him. She fails to see that she is really in love with Christians soul, and Christian's soul is Cyrano. We see in this act that the attitude of Christian turns from very selfish, to be more like Cyrano's or very giving. I do agree when Christian says that Roxanne really loves Cyrano. I believe this because in personality, Roxanne loves the personality of Cyrano who is pretending to be Christians soul or personality. If Roxanne doesn't care about looks then, she would then really be in love with Cyrano.
ReplyDeleteIn Act 4 Roxane reveals that she has now come to love Christian's soul, which is really Cyrano. Christian shows bravery in this act. He fights in the frontlines, and while he is dying he tells Cyrano to tell Roxane the truth. Cyrano doesn't tell Roxane the truth because Christian died. Then Roxane would not like Cyrano because he had lied to her. He also wanted Christian to be remembered.
ReplyDeleteChristian dies in Act IV. It almost seems as if he needs to, though, for the story to continue. I do not think that Cyrano and Roxane could love each other with Christian still alive. It would just be awkward since Roxane thought that she loved Christian in the past. While it is sad that Christian died, he kind of had to.
ReplyDelete-Erin Young
If Cyrano would have told Roxanne that he was writing the letters, I would have thought that Roxanne would have reppeled Cyrano because she says she would love Christian even if he was ugly, yet she knows that he never will be ugly. In some ways, she sorta lies to Christian in my mind because she assumes that the Christian she see's will never be ugly. In the end of this scene Christian dies. But in him does not die his personality, for Cyrano was Christians personality towards Roxanne. I think that Cyrano refrains from telling Roxanne that he is Christians personality because he did not want her to think badly of Christian after his death.
ReplyDeleteI think that Cyrano should have told Roxane about the letters even though Christian died. If he had to he could have waited for a year or two. Since he didn't, he and Roxane can never be together now that he is dead!!! He died in such a depressing way. I feel so sorry for Roxane since she lost her love twice.
ReplyDelete-Sophie Wanek
The ending of the story is a very sad yet good ending. Roxane finally picks up that it was Cyrano who was writing the letters to her all the time. One would think that after all this time, Roxane would have finally figured it out, but she has to figure it out on Cyrano's deathbed. Cyrano is a very noble and humble character to never tell Roxane the real story. His personality is something that I think we can all admire.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Cyrano should have told Roxane that he wrote the letters. Christian sort of set Cyrano up too. I also couldn't tell what Christian's emotions were, when he told Roxane to go smile at the other soldiers. At first I thought he was angry, but then I thought he was sad, because it seemed to me that he was tearing up. I thought it was nice of him to let Cyrano, attempt to tell Roxane his feelings. I think it was sad, and somewhat easy-to-predict that Christian was going to get shot at the end of the act.
ReplyDelete-Mason Maher
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ReplyDeleteI think when Christian realized that Roxane was no longer in love with his looks but with his soul, which is really Cyrano, he did the right thing by telling Cyrano. Christian could have just let it pass and still keep the secret and win Roxane. Since he didn't Cyrano was able to show Roxane in act 5 that he was the one that wrote the letters. Therefore if Christian had not told Cyrano about the way Roxane felt she would have never known their secret.
ReplyDelete-Brooke Walding
Roxanne finally says that she would love Christian even if he were ugly. BUt she doesn't know that it is not Christian she loves but Cyrano. In this act we see Christians soft side and his noble side. Both sides don't want to tell Roxanne the truth in fear that he might break her heart all over again. I completely agree with Christian when he says it is Cyrano that Roxanne loves. She loved Christian for "his" wit, charm, and letters, all of which belonged to Cyrano. He was meant for Roxanne.
ReplyDelete-Annie Schulte
If Cyrano would have told Roxane I think her answer would not have been very good for him. Telling Roxane while Christian was still alive wouldn't work because she had already married and fallen in love with him. If he would have told her right after Christian's death than that would have seemed really shady and she might not have believed him. But I don't understand why he waited fifteen years. Waiting a couple years would have probably been fine
ReplyDeleteIt must have really hurt Christian when Roxane tells him that she is in love with his soul, because he knows that this is really Cyrano and not him. It was noble of him to try to tell Roxane the truth, and showed that he really loved her. But at the same time, Cyrano didn't want to destroy Roxane's image of Christian. I agree with Cyrano on that. I think stepping in after Christian dies and claiming all that Roxane loved about him is low, so I'm glad Cyrano didn't do that. I don't think Roxane would have been to happy about him taking Christian's 'work'. But then there is the problem that Cyrano really loves her, quite possibly more than Christian did. So either way, it's not to good for Cyrano.
ReplyDelete-James Paris
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ReplyDeleteAt the end of Act 4 Roxane reveals one major thing about herself. She makes it clear that she doesn't care about cow Christian looks. She cares about what "he" wrote in "his" letters. Cyrano is taken aback by this revelation because he now knows that Roxane could love him. But for some reason Cyrano doesn't tell Roxane that it was him who wrote the letters.
ReplyDeleteI think that Roxane does not know what she wants in a guy. First, she only likes Christian for his looks. Then after reading Cyrano's letters she makes up her mind and says that she loves him for his soul. She also says she would love Christian even if he were ugly. I think that she should not be able to do this. After all this time exchanging letters, she should have known what she loved Christian for. I think this upset Christian too, because he didn't want her to love him just for his handsomeness. I agree with James that Christian must have been hurt by Roxane's words.
ReplyDelete-Mason Maher
I think that christian did the right thing by telling cyrano that it was really cyrano she loved. I also think that cyrano did the righ thing also when he told christian that roxane still loved him as he was dying. I think when roxane told christian she would love him even if he were ugly that hurt christian because he realized that she doesnt really love him but she is in love with cyrano. They both handled the situation well by not telling roxane what really happened because i think that would have hurt her even more if she found out that she didnt actually love christain the way she thought she did.
ReplyDeleteRoxane told Christian that she loved him for his soul and no longer for his looks. What Roxane didn't know was that Christians soul was Cyrano. Christian then told Cyrano this but Cyrano hesitated. Then before he even had a chance to tell Roxane the truth Christian died in battle. This ruined any chance he had to tell her.
ReplyDeleteIf Cyrano had told Roxane the truth on the battlefield I think she would have been angry at Christian. Cyrano understood this so he did not tell Roxane. Even though Roxane would have loved him when he told her. I like how Christian wanted to give back to Cyrano. He wanted him to tell Roxane the truth so Roxane could love him. So throughout the story Christian changed into a very brave man.
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda disappointed that Cyrano didn't tell Roxane way earlier. That probably wouldn't have made a very interesting story though. I think Roxane would have been a little bit mad at Christian for lying, but she should be flattered because of how much he liked her. Christian was only trying to impress her. I don't understand the very ending- the part about Cyrano's "white plume"? Cyrano was a very humble man to not tell Roxane a looooonnngggg time ago that it was he who could write so elegantly.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how Cyrano didn't tell Roxanne that it was him who wrote the letters after Christian died. It must have been hard for him to do that, but it also shows how much he really loves her.
ReplyDelete-Gabby Lanphier
I think that Cyrano should have told Roxane about how he was Christian's personality. Cyrano was very considerate to not tell Roxane about this right after Christian died. He should have told her after she was done mourning but not have wasted 15 years and then told her because Roxane probably just felt foolish. Just think of how their lives could have changed if Cyrano could have just told her the truth!
ReplyDelete-Jocelyn Chan
I am kind of confused why Cyrano didn't tell Roxane because he always thought he would never get the love of a girl. Now Roxane says she loves Christian's soul which is really Cyrano and he has the chance to be loved.
ReplyDelete-Brooke Walding
This act is the shining moment for all of the main cast. Roxane, Cyrano, and Christian all show the best of themselves. Roxane throws aside her substantial obsessions, Christian comes to want Roxane's genuine love, and Cyrano makes the ultimate sacrifice for her. He gives Christian his dying wish, Roxane. For her, Cyrano holds his tongue; after Christian's passing, the truth would be too much for her.
ReplyDelete- Dan McIlhon
In this act Roxane reveals that she would love Christian even if he was ugly. She says he loves him for his soul. She doesn't realize though that it's really Cyrano's soul that she loves. There is also a new side of Christian that is shown. He wants Cyrano to tell Roxane the truth about the letters and I think this shows that he wants the best for both of them.
ReplyDeleteDespite the death of Christian, Cyrano still gains something here. He, at least, knows the absolute truth. His attitude towards love seems to change; no longer can he express it to Roxane, but he hold it, keep it, and know that Roxane shares it.
ReplyDelete- Dan McIlhon
I feel if Cyrano told Roxanne, then she would not have shared the same feelings. Despite the fact that she said she loves his soul, not face, she is still a vain woman. Her vanity would keep her from seeing past his nose to his soul. She would be dissappointed if he told her. She wouldn't want Cyrano to be the man whom she loves. She loves him as a brother, and it would be awkward to love your brother.
ReplyDelete-Annie Schulte
I think Cyrano shouldn't of waited 15 years to tell Roxane. This is tourterous of him to do especially since he dies after she realizes. I feel bad for Roxane but also i feel as if she should've realized that it was Cyrano. The mood of this play changed a lot. It was funny but then turned really sad
ReplyDeleteI think that cyrano should have told Roxane sooner. She should have known beffore 15 years
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christian when he says that Roxane really loves cyrano. i think that cyrano should have told the truth. you are always happier with your actions when you tell the truth. cyrano should be more true to himself. i liked act 4 a lot it had lots of conflict.
ReplyDeleteCyrano should have told Roxane sooner. I can understand why he would wait a couple years to tell her, but why did he wait 15 years? If he would have told her right away, she might have been angry that he lied to her. He shouldn't have waited that long though. It's very unfortunate that he did because then he died.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Cyrano died! I was so sad. He died a really noble death I think though. I mean not the part about when someone dropped a piece of wood on his head, but the part when he still go to see Roxane even though he knows he is going to die. He knew he couldn't die without telling Roxane the truth. The way he told her was really romantic- he didn't justs blurt out, "hey you really love me I wrote you all the letters." But he showed her, which was really great. Cyrano is such a great person- even though he made a lot of people his enemy.
ReplyDeleteCyrano is the person who deserved death the most. He was such a snob in the book. Cyrano was always trying to outsmart the person next to him. One such instant is when is was talking ot Valvert at the theatre. He was trying to think of ways to make Valvert look very stupid, even thought Valvert already took care of that. Cyrano also asked for death on many occasions, expressing the reason of why Cyrano should die. he also didn't tell Roxane about the letters and should die since this action is contradicting everything the story and Cyrano's personality talks about.
ReplyDelete-Michael Linnen
What?!?!? What are you talking about Michal?!?! He was the best character!Why would you even say he should die, even if you don't like him? First, I don't remeber a Valvert, if your talking about Montflurey, he was a bad actor in the fist place, and this only was more visible by the fact he couldn't even act brave in front of Cyrano. If he would have done that, Cyrano would have accepted him and everyone would be happy. And the times he asked for death? He went to save a friend(the 100 men), stood up to a corrupt superior(DeGuiche), went across enemy territory to give letter to the women he loves, and jumps into battle to avenge Christian's death! All of these are noble acts, so why would you condem him to death? You say he didn't tell Roxane about the letters? He couldn't destroy the image of Christian Roxane had! Christian was a friend of his, why would he ruin his image? This just show how great Cyrano is. So, this is why Cyrano is the person who deserves death the least.
ReplyDelete-James Paris
The play ended sadly, but fittingly. Cyrano never wavered from his air of courtesy and dignity. He lived a life of secrets, lies, and privation, but it was for Roxane. And for her, such a life was an honor to him. Few can say they have upheld their convictions despite every trial they faced, but Cyrano had always been one of those lucky few. For Cyrano, any other life would have been wasted, pitiable, and (most unlike him) conformed.
ReplyDelete(above comment- Dan McIlhon, I just can't remember to sign these things)
ReplyDeleteThis play had a really sad ending. I wish that Cyrano would have told Roxane that he wrote the letter way before he died. they would have been very happy together. Well at least i think they would have. The story was so sad. I still don't understand how she would have not known that it was Cyrano writing the letters and not Christian.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading act 4 I was very pleased with both Roxane and Cyrano. I was so excited when roxane decided that she love the inside much more than the outside. I felt terrible for Cyrano when he didnt get to tell Roxane what was really going on but I knew he would before the end of the play so I wasnt too worried. Sidney Fargo
ReplyDeleteAfter reading act 5 I was very sad and in a bit of disbelief. I really didn't expect Cyrano's life to end by getting hit by a log. I really wish he could have gone out better but really it was the perfect ending to a great story. It makes you think about your own life. I don't think that I would have been able to give up my happiness like that and I think that Cyrano went out with much more dignity than anyone that has died in the way he wished to die. This story makes you want to be a better person. Sidney Fargo
ReplyDeleteValvert is a "friend" of de Guiche's. He is a lout in de Guiche's plan to get roxane. Read act 1. He tries to make fun of Cyrano's nose. I may of over exaggerated the death part in my comment. He had some good parts in the book and he had some parts when he didn't deserve to die. When he was poor and miserable in the 5th act, he didn't deserve to die, but when he is overconfident and asking people to practically "Kill" him, he deserves all that he asks for.
ReplyDelete-Michael Linnen
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ReplyDeleteJust for fun: dont get MAD, PLEASE!!
ReplyDelete"LOG ASSASSIN"
i thought that was the funniest part besides the moon thing
-Michael Linnen
I really liked how the play ended. Cyrano died the way he wanted to, in battle. He died with dignity. I love how he reveals that he wrote the letters to Roxanne by reciting the letter after it has gotten dark. It is was a romantic way to tell her.
ReplyDelete~Gabby Lanphier!
I think that cyrano should have told Roxane sooner. She should have known before 15 years after. I think that 5 years would have been almost too many, but 15? I liked the ending of the play in the way that cyrano died, he fought death until the end. At the start of this play i thought i would hate it, but it was actually pretty good i thought.
ReplyDeleteCyrano did deserve to die. He died as punishment for not telling Roxane of his love for her. If he did he would have died a happy man. He also deserved his ugly nose since he is such a ladies man and has a way with words. Cyrano deserved all of his misfortunes.
ReplyDelete-Michael Linnen