Act 1, Scene 5 Summary

Cyrano and Le Bret discuss Cyrano's dislike of Montfleury and the incident in the great hall, their conversation then turns to Roxane, who is Cyrano's cousin, and whom he is, along with Christian, infatuated with. Le Bret implores him to tell her of his feelings but Cyrano fears her rejection more than anything else and is self-conscious of his overly large nose and lack of good looks. Towards the end of this scene, the doorkeeper of the hotel admits Roxane's Duenna (or chaperone) who seeks to speak with Cyrano.

Act 1, Scene 5 Analysis

Le Bret sees in Cyrano all the good qualities he does not see in himself. He points out to him that he should not be so insecure and uses the example of the sweetmeat vendor who, in her admiration, offers anything on her cart to him. It is obvious...