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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 time of day is the opening of Act 4?

2. In what state did Ragueneau leave Cyrano before coming to the convent?

3. On what does Cyrano blame his fainting in Scene 5?

4. Who reenters at the end of Scene 3?

5. What weapon has wounded Carbon at the end of Act 4?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What lie does Cyrano tell Christian before he dies?

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

6. Describe the setting of Act 5.

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

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

9. What does Roxane say about her surroundings at the beginning of Scene 4?

10. What is Cyrano's relationship with Roxane in Act 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Cyrano is renowned in the play not only as a warrior and leader, but also as an artist. Write an essay about Cyrano the artist. How does he bring beauty and verse into every aspect of his being? Does he consider art a profession? Does he intend to make money from it? Cite examples from the text in answering these questions.

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

Ragueneau is a figure of much comedic value, a sort of kindly fool forever at the mercy of a hostile world. He is also on of Cyrano's greatest advocates. Write an essay about Ragueneau. What does he value in life, and why do these choices cause him so much pain? Why does he enter scenes when he does? Why do you think he ends in such ignominy?

(see the answer keys)

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