Cyrano de Bergerac

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

ACT 1

Reading Check

1. What does Cyrano do to Montfleury?

2. To what topic does Cyrano’s monologue with the meddler pertain?

3. What does Cyrano believe when Roxane asks to meet with him?

4. What symbol is introduced, which Cyrano claims to be his friend?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is the theme The Nature of Beauty and The Mind first introduced in this act with reference to Cyrano and Roxane?

2. How is Cyrano’s wit and intellect demonstrated through Valvert’s contrasting dialogue?

Paired Resource

1950 Film: Nose Monologue

• This clip features an 8-minute performance of Cyrano de Bergerac’s monologue about his nose. (Content Warning: The speech includes a sword duel and use of the word “ass” briefly.)
• Specific lines can be connected to the theme of The Nature of Beauty and The Mind.
• How does this version of Cyrano’s monologue compare to the original?

1987 Film: Nose Monologue

• This 5-minute portrayal is a more recent version of Cyrano’s nose monologue. (Teacher-appropriate; not student facing. Content Warning: This performance includes two sexual jokes regarding his nose. As such, this resource is recommended at the teacher’s discretion).
• This performance also connects to the theme of The Nature of Beauty and The Mind.
•  If shared with students, the modern monologue might be compared with the original and the 1950s film version.

ACT 2

Reading Check

1. What is Ragueneau’s job?

2. What does Cyrano learn about the true object of Roxane’s affections?

3. What does Cyrano refuse from Guiche?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is the theme Artistry Versus Commercialization demonstrated via Ragueneau and his wife, Lise?

2. What does Cyrano avoidance of the topic of his fight demonstrate about his character?

3. What plan do Christian and Cyrano devise to woo Roxane? Why is it necessary?

Paired Resource

“How to Write Poetry: 11 Rules for Poetry Writing Beginners”

• This article breaks down the steps for students to write poetry.
• How might Cyrano and Ragueneau have unconsciously utilized these steps in creating their own poetry, and how might you do the same?

“What Makes a Poem . . . a Poem?”

• This 5-minute TED-Ed video discusses the purpose and structure of poetry along with examples and explanations on identification.
• Utilizing the information provided in the video, what is the purpose and function of poetry in Cyrano de Bergerac?

ACT 3

Reading Check

1. What does Roxane ask Guiche to do?

2. What does Roxane want Christian to improvise on the spot?

3. What does Christian ask for from Roxane?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is Christian’s lack of intellect and humility demonstrated in this act?

2. In regard to the priest, how does Roxane demonstrate deception?

3. In what ways does Cyrano distract Guiche?

Paired Resource

“Balcony Scene Musical Version – MGM Studios” and “Balcony Scene Non-Musical – MGM Studios”

• This 5-minute clip offers a musical interpretation of the scene featuring Cyrano speaking for Christian as they confront Roxane on the balcony. The 1-minute clip reveals the continuation of the scene, featuring Christian attempting to relay Cyrano’s poetic words.
• The dialogue and images connect to the themes of The Nature of Beauty and The Mind and Unrequited Love.
• How does the film version of this scene compare with the play?

ACT 4

Reading Check

1. What does Cyrano do every day during the war?

2. What does Guiche discard in battle to help him escape?

3. Who arrives as a surprise at the Siege of Arras camp?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is the theme The Nature of Beauty and the Mind demonstrated in Cyrano and Christian’s argument over Roxane?

2. How are the cadets and Guiche contrasts portrayed, contributing to their mutual dislike prior to Guiche’s moment of bravery?

3. What is indicated when Roxane faints at Cyrano’s last letter but not at Christian’s last words?

Paired Resource

“On Beauty”

• This poem by Kahlil Gibran utilizes visual language and metaphor to describe the essence of beauty.
• This work connects to the theme of The Nature of Beauty and The Mind.
• How does this poem demonstrate “beauty” while implying “the mind?”

ACT 5

Reading Check

1. Where does Roxane go after Christian dies?

2. Who visits Roxane every week?

3. What puts Cyrano in a lethal accident?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Cyrano foreshadow his death?

2. How does Roxane come to realize that Cyrano wrote her the letters?

3. In what way does Cyrano imply that the ending to his life is unlike the story Beauty and the Beast?

Recommended Next Reads 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

• In this comedic play of mistaken identities, love triangles, and humorous confusion, shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as a man and serves Duke Orsino. She falls in love with him, but the duke is in love with Countess Olivia who, in turn, falls in love with Viola in her disguise.
• Shared themes include Unrequited Love and The Nature of Beauty and The Mind.
• Shared topics include deception, love, and mistaken identity.
• Twelfth Night on SuperSummary

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

• In this historical adventure novel, the main character d’Artagnan joins the Musketeers of the Guard in 1600s France. With Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, they delve into political intrigue, participate in daring escapes, and demonstrate loyalty to each other while protecting the honor of the queen against Cardinal Richelieu.
• Shared themes include Unrequited Love.
• Shared topics include love, heroic sacrifice, and larger-than-life personas.
• The Three Musketeers on SuperSummary