How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
A VOICE
Wretch! Have I not forbade you these three weeks?
(Sensation. Every one turns to look. Murmurs)
SEVERAL VOICES
What?... Where?... Who is it?...
CUIGY
Cyrano! (I.16-17)
Cyrano enters the play as only a voice. This is appropriate since his voice is his distinguishing trait and is so closely tied to his identity.
Quote #2
LE BRET
Well then! Roxane herself, watching your duel,
Paler than—
CYRANO
Pale?—
LE BRET
Her lips parted, her hand
Thus at her breast—I saw it! Speak to her
Speak, man! (I.602-604)
Le Bret knows the power of Cyrano’s words, so he urges the man to make himself known to Roxane. He realizes the close relationship between voice and identity.
Quote #3
ROXANE
A big boy who loves me too,
And is afraid of me, and keeps away.
And never says one word.
CYRANO
Ah!...
ROXANE
Let me have
Your hand a moment—why how hot it is!—
I know. I see him trying…
CYRANO
Ah!...
ROXANE
There now!
Is that better?—
(She finishes bandaging the hand with her handkerchief.)
Besides—only to think—
(This is a secret.) He is a soldier too,
In your own regiment—
CYRANO:
Ah!...
ROXANE:
Yes, in the Guards,
Your company too.
CYRANO
Ah!...
ROXANE
And such a man!—
He is proud— noble—young—brave—beautiful—
CYRANO (Turns pale; rises.)
Beautiful?—
ROXANE
What’s the matter?
CYRANO (Smiling)
Nothing—this—
My sore hand! (II.194-204)
Cyrano, in hearing Roxane’s words about the man she loves, confuses himself with Christian. In this scene of dramatic irony, the audience realizes whom Roxane is talking about while Cyrano does not. This scene reminds us that there are very few virtues that separate these two men—in fact, appearance is the only distinguishing trait.