The Romantic One Cyrano, the central character in Cyrano de Bergerac, displays his courage, charm, and intelligence, which makes him the focal point of other people's admiration. His undeniable love for Roxane, is kept to himself because he is so insecure about his terribly monstrous nose. He delivers his feelings to Roxane by writing letters and poems to her pretending to be Christian. Cyrano is truly the most enchanting character in the play because he exemplifies true romantic ideals by sacrificing his happiness for the contentment of his only love.
Cyrano is known for his brilliance, fluency of speech, and swordsmanship. He is also known for his monstrous nose. Because he feels that he is very unattractive, he is convinced that no one will ever love him, especially not his beautiful cousin, Roxane. Since he feels he cannot have Roxane for himself, he agrees to help Christian de Neuvillette court her.
Cyrano
Old statue of Cyrano de Bergerac
Français : CYRANOChristian is extremely handsome, but not exceedingly bright and has no way with words. Cyrano agrees to help and coach him on what to say to Roxane in order to win her love. By doing assisting Christian with the task of pursuing Roxane, Cyrano is making Roxane happy because she is in love with Christian, but also fulfilling his need to express his love for Roxane in a subtle way. Helping Christian allowed Cyrano to illustrate his romantic standards. He is willing to help another man gain the affection of his one true love for the enchantment of his only love. This is a very romantic and respectable feat.
When Cyrano is helping Christian it is very hard for him because he knows that Roxane will probably never be his. He overcomes the thought of never obtaining Roxane's love, because he realizes that he is making Roxane happy with the letters, speeches, and poetry. All he wants to do is make Roxane content, even if sometimes pleasing her makes him uncomfortable. "Roxane: "ÃÂOh, but you are a darling!-I must go-You never told me about last night- Why, You must have been a hero! Have him write and tell me all about it-will you?' Cyrano: "ÃÂOf course . . .' Roxane: (Kisses his hand) "ÃÂI always did love you!-A hundred men against one- Well . . . Adieu. We are great friends, Are we not?' Cyrano: "ÃÂOf course . . .' Roxane: "ÃÂHe must write to me-A hundred- You shall tell me the whole story someday, when I have time. A hundred men- what courage'"ÃÂ This excerpt proves that Cyrano is willing to delight her even if her happiness does not involve him. If Roxane is satisfied and happy, then Cyrano is pleased which proves much about Cyrano. He is a true romantic, caring about nothing else besides the happiness of his love, which he knows will never be returned.
Cyrano received numerous opportunities to take control and express his love to Roxane. When Roxane learns that her husband is to be sent away from her she makes Cyrano promise to have Christian write to her regularly. Cyrano seizes this opportunity to state his own indisputable love for Roxane in letters that are said to be from Christian. Writing these letters allows Cyrano to emit his feelings through Christian without giving away his feelings to Roxane.
When Christian dies in the war, Roxane joins a convent. Cyrano visits her everyday for fifteen years. Again during this time, he could have told her how much she meant to him, but he refrained. He never told her the truth about the letters or hinted that he was the author because he thought she was still in love with Christian.
Despite the tragic ending of the play, where Cyrano accepts that he can never win Roxane, there is one small triumph. When Cyrano dies, he is convinced about Roxane's ability to love him despite his grotesque nose. The thought of Roxane's love for him gives him great pleasure, allowing him to die a happy, loved man.
Cyrano's triumph proves that he is beyond doubt the most romantic character. He allows himself to go through his whole life loving Roxane unconditionally without any affection shown in return. When Cyrano finally figures out that Roxane would have loved him if she had only known the actuality of his emotions, he ultimately becomes satisfied, allowing him to rest in tranquility. Because he dies in peace he does succeed from his sacrifice. He sacrificed telling Roxane about his true emotions, allowing her to be happy with Christian. Cyrano waits for the perfect time to reveal his love. When he does this he gets the best reward of all, Roxane's love in return. He attains something he once thought was impossble to receive.
Roxane Fréché
The balcony scene from Act 3 of Cyrano. Left to ri...
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