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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 what classical text does Roxane refer when expressing her admiration for Christian in Scene 8?

2. What item does Roxane take from Christian's body in Scene 10?

3. In what month does this Act take place?

4. What does Mother Margaret forbid her Sisters from doing regarding Cyrano?

5. Where does Cyrano tell Le Bret he expects to go after death?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What secret does Cyrano tell Christian in Scene 7?

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

4. What offer does Christian make to Cyrano in Scene 9?

5. What declaration does Roxane make about the feast?

6. How does Roxane bring food to the troops?

7. Why does Cyrano fear telling Roxane the truth regarding the letters?

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

9. What does Roxane incorrectly assume when she see's Ragueneau and Le Bret exit in Scene 3?

10. What does Roxane resolve to do at the end of Scene 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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