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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. To whom does Cyrano send his pages in Scene 1?

2. Where does Christian refuse to go with Cyrano in Scene 4?

3. To what literary work does the Comte de Guiche refer Cyrano before leaving the shop?

4. At the end of Scene 3, what does Cyrano say he has done many times?

5. What does Christian repeatedly protest he will do if Cyrano does not help him in Scene 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. What offer does de Guiche make Cyrano, and why does Cyrano refuse?

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

3. What requests does Roxane make of Cyrano before leaving in Scene 3?

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

5. What furtive disagreement do Christian and Cyrano has at the end of Scene 7?

6. What is the Comte de Guiche's treachery against Ligniere?

7. How do Cyrano and Christian intend to speak to Roxane at the end of Scene 6?

8. What new sadness has befallen Ragueneau at the beginning of Act 3?

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

10. Describe Lise.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The idea of honor in CYRANO DE BERGERAC becomes synonymous with the idea of soldiery. Focusing on Le Bret, Carbon, and the cadets of Act 4, write an essay on the the lionization of the career soldier. How do these characters deal with adverse circumstances? What do they idolize and what do they revile? How do they react to the extremities of Cyrano?

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)

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