Cyrano- Act 1: Write the question, then your answer

 

  1. What is your first impression of Cyrano? Explain.
  2. What does Captain Le Bret say happens to anyone who makes fun of Cyrano’s nose? What do you learn about Cyrano from this information?
  3. How does Valvert insult Cyrano just before their duel begins? How does Cyrano gain revenge for this insult?
  4. What is Le Bret’s advice to Cyrano regarding his love for his cousin? What is Cyrano’s reaction to the advice? Why do you suppose he reacts the way he does?
  5. How does Rostand (author) prepare the audience for Cyrano’s first entrance on stage? Do you feel this is an effective technique? Why or why not?
  6. Cyrano tells Le Bret, “I’ve decided to excel in everything.” Do you think such an attitude is realistic in everyday life? Why or why not?

 

Cyrano- Act 2: Write the question, then your answer

 

  1. What did you find funny in this section of the play? Describe the incident(s).
  2. At what exact moment in the pastry shop does Cyrano learn that Roxane is talking about someone else? What does this say about Cyrano?
  3. In your opinion, why does Christian insult Cyrano’s nose? What is Cyrano’s reaction when he finds out that Christian is the one making the rude comments about his nose? What does Cyrano’s reaction tell you about him?
  4. What arrangement does Cyrano make with Christian regarding Roxane? Why do you suppose Cyrano suggests this arrangement?
  5. Cyrano agrees to help another man who is in love with the same woman as himself. Are Cyrano’s actions believable? Does he behave as you feel most people would in a similar situation? Explain.
  6. Do you think Cyrano is boastful? Why or why not? Give evidence from the text to support your answer.
  7. Draw a character map for each of the following characters: Christian, Roxane, and Cyrano. Offer at least four bubbles off of the character.

 

Cyrano- Act 3: Write the question, then your answer

 

  1. If you were Cyrano, would you have been able to help Christian win Roxane’s love? Why or why not?
  2. Why is Roxane so concerned when she learns that de Guiche is about to order the soldiers to depart for war? What trick does she play as a result of her concern?
  3. How would you describe Cyrano’s emotions as he speaks for Christian to Roxane? Why might he have mixed feelings about what he is doing?
  4. How does Cyrano keep de Guiche from interrupting the wedding? What do you learn about Cyrano from the method he chooses?
  5. Having read the conversation between Roxane and de Guiche, how would you describe Roxane’s attitude toward him? How does Rostand (author) communicate Roxane’s true feelings to the audience without making them clear to de Guiche?
  6. If you were casting the three main roles of the play, which actors would you select? Explain why you feel the actors you choose would be appropriate for the roles. Cite performances you have seen the actors give in movies, TV shows, or stage roles in justifying your selections.

 

Cyrano- Act 4: Write the question, then your answer

 

  1. What were your feelings at the end of the act as Cyrano leads the cadets into battle? Do you think Cyrano will survive the battle?
  2. What is the military significance of de Guiche’s white scarf? What happens to it? What does Cyrano think about the white scarf, and what does he do for it?
  3. What realization does Roxane finally come to about Christian? How does this realization affect Christian?
  4. What does Christian urge Cyrano to do? In your opinion, what are his reasons?
  5. What do you think would be Roxane’s reaction if she were to learn the truth about Christian and Cyrano and her relationship with them?
  6. Describe Roxane’s character so far. Do you feel that she is worthy of Cyrano’s love? Of Christian’s? Why or why not?

 

Cyrano- Act 5: Write the question, then your answer

 

  1. What impressions from the final scene are the strongest and most lasting?
  2. What do you learn about Cyrano from the conversation of the nuns, de Guiche, and Le Bret before he comes on stage? Why is this information necessary?
  3. What information does de Guiche give to Le Bret about Cyrano? Why do you suppose Cyrano’s old enemy has told Le Bret about the danger?
  4. How does Roxane finally learn that it was Cyrano who wrote the letters and has loved her all along? Do you think she is surprised? Explain your answer.
  5. How does Rostand (author) use natural imagery to create the mood in the last scene? Evaluate the success of this technique.
  6. What are Cyrano’s accomplishments? For what will he be most known? In your opinion, what kinds of accomplishments in life are the most meaningful?
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