Cyrano de Bergerac

1. Cyrano de Bergerac Edmond Rostand

2. Cyrano de Bergeracas Romantic Play Cyrano is referred to as a Romantic play - Romance – as a medieval tale – was a French literary form Tales concerned daring deeds of knights and the relationship of the knights to their ladies Roman de la Rose and Chanson de Roland: tale in which the chevalier servant loved his lady from a far and wrote her poetry Heroes were brave, noble, steadfast – their word is their bond

3. Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism • Romantic period in Europe vaguely began in the late 18th century and ended in middle of the 19th century. • Victor Hugo’s preface in Cromwell states that although the classic plays were beautiful, they no longer expressed the taste and needs in the theatre – too many limitations - • “The Battle of Hernani” • The Romantics freed the French drama from the two unities of time and place

4. Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism • Term romantic in English criticism most often refers to the treatment of a theme. • Romantic treatments are sometimes sentimental, idealistic rather than realistic • A reaction to the restrained neoclassical attitude of reason, order and balance • Written in 1897 many believed Cyrano to be the revival of Romanticism • Cyrano is celebrated for its idealism

5. Cyrano de Bergeracthe historical character • Born Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac in 1616 – big nose and all… • From prominent – not noble – family • Wrote poetry, political pamphlets, some plays – Moliere did in fact use two scenes written by Cyrano! • His high courage and equally high spirit made him many enemies and gained him a reputation as a romantic hero

6. Cyrano de BergeracA Romantic Comedy • Complexity of plot • Contains elements of satire • Unlikely hero triumphs because of his defects • Mimics bourgeoisie manners • Trivialized cult of appearances - dandy • Extensive monologues using subtle wit, alliteration, and double entendres

7. Cyrano de Bergerac about the play • Edmond Rostand first presented Cyrano in 1897 • Vaguely follows Aristotle’s unities • One basic geographic location • One main character- the remainder of characters are merely “bit actors” • Play within a play • Hugely successful – presented for 500 consecutive performances • Still performed today all around the world – SCR performance last Spring – • A virtuoso play - Coquelin

8. Cyrano de Bergeracabout the play • Cyrano de Bergerac – our hero • Roxanne his precieuse – a person of highly affected language manners and dress – appearance was of utmost importance • Christian de Neuvillette – good looking soldier • Compte de Guiche – the villain • Ragueneau – poet, baker friend of Cyrano

9. Cyrano de Bergerac • Ligniere – drunk singer of satiric songs • Valvert – a dandy friend of de Guiche • Montfluerry – a horrible actor • And many, many, more…..