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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. Which of the following is not an object to which Cyrano compares a kiss?

2. In his long monologue of Scene 8, Cyrano mentions the name of his editor. Who is it?

3. What is the name of Ragueneau's shop?

4. How many men does one cadet confide in Scene 9 were recently killed by Cyrano for talk of noses?

5. About what subject, according to Lise, will Ragueneau stop talking?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Roxane trick the monk in Scene 11?

2. How does Cyrano get rid of the Duenna?

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

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

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

6. Describe Christian's interchange with Roxane in Scene 5.

7. Why does Cyrano leave the theatre at the end of Act 1?

8. How does Cyrano delay Christian's kiss in Scene 10?

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

Write an essay about the dynamic between Cyrano and the Comte de Guiche. Use the several insults that Cyrano deal de Guiche throughout the play as framework for the essay. Why does Cyrano deal the nobleman these slights, and how does de Guiche respond? Who pays for these slights? Does either man ultimately change as a result of this dynamic?

Essay Topic 3

A major dynamic in CYRANO DE BERGERAC is the conflict between the physical appearance and the soul. Write an essay about this dynamic, focusing on Cyrano and Christian. What does each represent in terms of this theme? How do Roxane's changing attitudes toward her composite wooer reflect the balance in this ethereal struggle?

(see the answer keys)

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