Cyrano de Bergerac

Throughout the novel, ideas on love, physical beauty, the power of words, and the commercialization of art are implied or conveyed through character actions, movement, expression, dialogue, and monologues. To what extent are each of these topics developed in relation to the key three themes (Unrequited Love, Artistry Versus Commercialization, and The Nature of Beauty and The Mind)? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• How are internal dialogue and soliloquy utilized to give the audience more insight than the characters?
• What monologues best demonstrate these themes and topics?
• How do the strengths and flaws of the main characters support and/or subvert the narrative’s themes?

Teaching Suggestion: A graphic organizer may be useful for containing reactions and suggestions, such as a simple table with a row for each topic (love, beauty, words, commercialization) and a column for each theme. Along with identifying key plot points and quotes in the narrative, it may benefit students to review a list of drama terms (e.g., monologue, soliloquy, aside, dialogue, and blocking). Providing a printed handout for students to glue into their notebooks or keep in a binder for efficient access will help students identify the various structures of the play. From there, they can make connections between the dialogue formats, themes, topics, and literary devices.