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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. What does Christian insist he can do to help Cyrano?

2. What does Christian ask Roxane to do at the end of Scene 8?

3. How does de Guiche's voice change after he decides to stay and fight?

4. Which two characters are alone onstage at the beginning of Scene 3?

5. How many ways of getting to the moon does Cyrano list before explaining his preferred method to de Guiche?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Roxane's love changed in the months since the siege?

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

3. How does Roxane make her way to the Gascony cadets?

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

5. Why is Christian distraught at the end of Scene 8?

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

7. What revenge does de Guiche take on Cyrano and Christian in Scene 14?

8. Describe the setting of Act 5.

9. Why does Cyrano wait so long to tell Roxane the truth?

10. Describe the state of the battle at the end of Act 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Cyrano finds solace in writing letters under Christian's name. Write an essay about his ability finally to speak his heart through the more attractive man's voice. How does this come about? What is he able to say, and at what point does he realize he has wooed Roxane and not Christian? Focus on three parts in the script:

Part 1) The balcony scene

Part 2) The letters during the siege

Part 3) Christian's farewell letter

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

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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