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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. On what day does Cyrano customarily visit the convent?

2. In Scene 4, what indicates to Roxane that Cyrano should have arrived?

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

4. What reason does the Comte de Guiche give for leaving at the end of Scene 5?

5. Why does Cyrano fear telling Roxane the truth of the letters?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Cyrano distract the Comte de Guiche while Roxane and Christian marry?

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

3. Describe the setting of Act 5.

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

5. How does Roxane discover that Cyrano is her true suitor?

6. What news of Cyrano does Ragueneau bring in Scene 3?

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

8. Describe Cyrano in Scene 5.

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

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

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

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 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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