How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #4
THE CITIZEN (Coming down with his son)
Great actors we shall see to-day—…
THE CITIZEN
Montfleury—
A VOICE (in the gallery)
Lights! Light the lights!
THE CITIZEN Bellerose, l’Êpy, Beaupré, Jodelet— (I.31-33)
The actors named were indeed real actors at the time, beloved for their comedy. The fact that the citizen pronounces these names with such eagerness and respect shows how deeply Rostand is invested in making this time period as accurate as possible.
Quote #5
THE BOY (To his father)
Are the Academy
All here?
THE CITIZEN
I see some of them…there’s Boudu—
Bolssat—Cureau—Porchères—Colomby—
Bourzeys—Bourdon—Arbaut—
Ah, those great names,
Never to be forgotten!
FIRST MARQUIS
Look—at last!
Our Intellectuals! Barthénoide,
Urimédonte, Félixérie…(I.60-66)
That even the laymen and his children know the names of the Academy show how prominent they were in society. All the names that the citizen and the marquis list refer to real historical figures—figures that would likely appear at such a prestigious and intellectual event (a play).
Quote #6
A MUSKETEER (Advances quickly to Cyrano, with outstretched hands.)
Monsieur, will you
Permit me?—It was altogether fine!
I think I may appreciate these things—
Moreover, I have been stamping for pure joy!
(He retires quickly.)
CYRANO (To Cuigy)
What was that gentleman’s name?
CUIGY
Oh…D’Artagnan. (I.487-491)
One of Rostand’s most explicit references to Dumas’s The Three Musketeers is this cameo by D’Artagnan, the hero of said novel.