View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. At the beginning of Scene 6, Roxane thanks Cyrano for teaching who a lesson?

2. Who climbs Roxane's balcony at the end of Scene 6?

3. Who does Ligniere bring to the theatre at the end of Scene 1?

4. At the beginning of Scene 8, what supposed vice does Cyrano defend to Le Bret?

5. Which of the following items is not a part of Cyrano's dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Cyrano embrace Christian at the beginning of Scene 10?

2. Why hasn't Cyrano professed his love to Roxane?

3. Why does Cyrano decide to convince Roxane to kiss Christian?

4. What job is Cyrano given in Scene 12?

5. Why does Ragueneau expect Cyrano at the play?

6. How does Cyrano get rid of the Duenna?

7. How is Christian resistant to Cyrano in Scene 4?

8. How does Roxane prevent Christian's going to battle in Scene 2?

9. Why does Cyrano consider himself a coward at the end of Scene 3?

10. What plan do Cyrano and Christian hatch by the end of Scene 10?

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

Much of the conflict in Cyrano de Bergerac seems to stem from individuals - Valvert, de Guiche, Christian - but the true conflict in the play is rooted in a more ethereal struggle, one of honor versus selfishness and expediency. Write an essay about this struggle, using Cyrano's final tirade as a frame. How has he combated his ancient enemies, and how does this combat manifest itself in the whole of the plot? In what way does Cyrano represent honor in its raw form?

Essay Topic 3

Roxane develops from a mere object of affection into a fully-dimensional strong-willed character. Chart this transition in an essay. How does Roxane appear in the first act of the play? Is her role active, or merely objective to male characters? By scene 4, how has she transformed herself? What bold actions does she undertake without assistance from others?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 819 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample