1. Cyrano de Bergerac
Edmond Rostand

2. Cyrano de Bergerac as Romantic Play
Cyrano is referred to as a Romantic play - Romance – as a medieval tale – was a French literary form Tales concerned daring deeds of knights and the relationship of the knights to their ladies Roman de la Rose and Chanson de Roland: tale in which the chevalier servant loved his lady from a far and wrote her poetry Heroes were brave, noble, steadfast – their word is their bond

3. Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism
The Romantic period in Europe vaguely began in the late 18th century and ended in middle of the 19th century.
Victor Hugo’s preface in Cromwell states that although the classic plays were beautiful, they no longer expressed the taste and needs in the theatre – too many limitations -
“The Battle of Hernani”
The Romantics freed the French drama from the two unities of time and place

4. Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism
Term romantic in English criticism most often refers to the treatment of a theme.
Romantic treatments are sometimes sentimental, idealistic rather than realistic
A reaction to the restrained neoclassical attitude of reason, order and balance
Written in 1897 many believed Cyrano to be the revival of Romanticism
Cyrano is celebrated for its idealism

5. Cyrano de Bergerac the historical character
Born Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac in 1616 – big nose and all…
From prominent – not noble – family
Wrote poetry, political pamphlets, some plays – Moliere did in fact use two scenes written by Cyrano
His high courage and equally high spirit made him many enemies and gained him a reputation as a romantic hero

6. Cyrano de Bergerac A Romantic Comedy
Complexity of plot
Contains elements of satire
Unlikely hero triumphs because of his defects
Mimics bourgeoisie manners
Trivialized cult of appearances - dandy
Extensive monologues using subtle wit, alliteration, and double entendres

7. Cyrano de Bergerac about the play
Edmond Rostand first presented Cyrano in 1897
Vaguely follows Aristotle’s unities
One basic geographic location
One main character- the remainder of characters are merely “bit actors”
Play within a play
Hugely successful – presented for 500 consecutive performances
Still performed today all around the world – SCR performance last Spring –
A virtuoso play - Coquelin

8. Cyrano de Bergerac about the play
Cyrano de Bergerac – our hero
Roxanne his precieuse – a person of highly affected language manners and dress – appearance was of utmost importance
Christian de Neuvillette – good looking soldier
Compte de Guiche – the villain
Ragueneau – poet, baker friend of Cyrano

9. Cyrano de Bergerac Ligniere – a drunk, singer of satiric songs
Valvert – a dandy friend of de Guiche
Montfluerry – a horrible actor
And many, many, more…..