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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. Who does Cyrano chase from the shop at the end of Scene 4?

2. What part of Cyrano's body is injured in Scene 3?

3. When does Christian intend to declare his love to Roxane?

4. To which two classical figures does Cyrano compare Roxane in Scene 5?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What job is Cyrano given in Scene 12?

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

3. Describe the scene created when Ragueneau's poets enter the shop.

4. Why does Christian insult Cyrano's nose in Scene 9?

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

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

7. How does Cyrano explain Christian's uncertain poetry to Roxane?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

The Comte de Guiche seems to be a simple villainous presence at the beginning of the play, but he proves to be one of the most dynamic figures of the narrative. Write an essay analyzing the Comte's transformation over the course of the play. What is the root of his villainy? Why does he suddenly change? What hopes and regrets does he express in Act 5?

(see the answer keys)

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