Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand Introduction

Edmond Rostand Studied law in Paris, but his real love was literature. At the time French government was being restructured from monarchy to republican government Began working on Cyrano de Bergerac in 1896, about 200 years after the real Cyrano lived Died six weeks after the end of World War I.

Historical Setting Cyrano was first performed in France,1897. Cyrano differed from the mainstream theater at the time. Popular French literature and drama was focused on addressing social issues and everyday lives of people (referred to as Realism and Naturalism) France defeated in Franco-Prussian War 1870- 71

Audience Appeal Although it differed from the trend of realism, Cyrano became a popular play. The heroes of many of the plays and books of the time were artists. Popular plays of the time were set in same time period as Cyrano. Audience was familiar with the characters. Cyrano’s pride appealed to French people. He used his words as his weapon.

Setting Cyrano de Bergerac is set in France. Majority of the play takes place in 1640 and is based on real historical events. Louis XIII was king. Cardinal Richelieu of the Roman Catholic Church dominated the political landscape and was chief minister to King Louis. De Guiche, the play’s villain, uses his connections to Richelieu to gain power.

The Real Cyrano Cyrano de Bergerac, the hero of the play, is based on a famous figure who fought in the French Army. The real Cyrano also wrote plays and poems while recovering from a battle wound The real Cyrano also died from a head injury

Love Relationships People did not marry for love Standards of beauty have changed over time. Cyrano fell in love with his cousin, which was perfectly normal at the time. The French upper class and aristocracy commonly practiced what was called “Amour Tendre” meaning Tender Love.