The two machines of the twentieth century that Cyrano talked about are the rocketship and hot-air balloon.
2. Cyrano talks about the moon at length in his discussion with de Guiche, but only refers to it at the end of Act I, and near the end of Act V. Look up these references. In each of these instances, what does the moon symbolize? What does this symbol reveal about Cyrano?
The moon symbolizes dreaming. This symbol is important because Cyrano only dreams about being with Roxane; not actually following through with those dreams. Dreams are often underestimated in reality, and this symbolization shows that people miss great opprotunities by not following their dreams.
3. Cyrano�s last words are �My white plume��the �one thing without stain� that is his own. The plume is literally on his hat. Symbolically what does the plume represent? (see Cyrano�s speech to Valvert in Act I, a cadet�s comment in Act II when de Guiche is present, and Cyrano�s comment to de Guiche in Act IV.)
The last words of Cyrano, �my white plume�, have a double meaning. The literal meaning is of course, the plume on his hat, the symbolic meaning however is the representation of Roxanne as described in his speech. The white plume represents Roxanne because Cyrano views his love to her as the one un-tainted thing, the one pure thing he has. Even though she never knew it.
4. All through Act V two images are repeated: falling leaves and falling darkness. De Guiche, Roxane, and Cyrano all comment on the leaves. Considering what happens in Act V, what do the leaves and darkness represent? After answering the question, find a web site that discusses archetypes and these two symbols. Make a link to that web site.
The falling leaves and darkness represent death. Both literally and metaphorically. The death of the soldiers and the death of love between Christian and Roxanne. The falling leaves are the settings of their particular lives and the darkness is the final descent of their lives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archetype
5. Cyrano, de Guiche, and Christian all fall in love with Roxane, but Rostand is still able to create somewhat complex characters despite their first appearances in the play. Explain how each character �loves� Roxane and how does that love change? Find appropriate song lyrics or link a song to your answer that would be accurately reflect the love each character exhibits. Explain the connection.
Link to Lyrics!