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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does de Guiche notice immediately about the first soldier he approaches in Scene 7?

2. On what does Cyrano blame his fainting in Scene 5?

3. Who informs Cyrano of Christian's fatal wound?

4. What item does Carbon pointedly tell Roxane is missing from his company?

5. What is the Comte de Guiche's new title in Act 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Roxane bring food to the troops?

2. Describe the imaginary enemies Cyrano fights at the end of the play?

3. How does the cadets' attitude toward the Comte de Guiche change in Scene 7?

4. How does Christian realize that Cyrano loves Roxane in Scene 4?

5. Why does Cyrano wait so long to tell Roxane the truth?

6. What news of Cyrano does Ragueneau bring in Scene 3?

7. Why are the troops starving at the beginning of Act 4?

8. How does Cyrano distract the Comte de Guiche while Roxane and Christian marry?

9. According to Le Bret in Scene 2, How has Cyrano changed of late?

10. How does Roxane reason Cyrano's absence at his appointed time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Within the overall arc of the love triangle among Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian, Rostand's play seems to contain many smaller plays within it. Each act of Cyrano de Bergerac contains a different tone to it, from broad farce, to military drama, to elegy. Write an essay about three of the five acts. What common themes do they have? How are they different in tone?

Essay Topic 2

Ragueneau is a figure of much comedic value, a sort of kindly fool forever at the mercy of a hostile world. He is also on of Cyrano's greatest advocates. Write an essay about Ragueneau. What does he value in life, and why do these choices cause him so much pain? Why does he enter scenes when he does? Why do you think he ends in such ignominy?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the play, Cyrano combines his desire for glory in battle with his desire to create beautiful verses. Write an essay about this unity of combat and rhyme. What does Cyrano do to add an aura of melody to his combat? Who does he take with him? What is the public reaction to this aplomb?

Part 1) Cyrano's duel with Valvert

Part 2) Cyrano's fending off of the 100 ruffians

Part 3) The Gascony Guard's stand against the Spanish at Arras

(see the answer keys)

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