Cyrano de Bergerac

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

ACT 1

Reading Check

1. What does Cyrano do to Montfleury?

2. To what topic does Cyrano’s monologue with the meddler pertain?

3. What does Cyrano believe when Roxane asks to meet with him?

4. What symbol is introduced, which Cyrano claims to be his friend?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is the theme The Nature of Beauty and The Mind first introduced in this act with reference to Cyrano and Roxane?

2. How is Cyrano’s wit and intellect demonstrated through Valvert’s contrasting dialogue?

Paired Resource

1950 Film: Nose Monologue

• This clip features an 8-minute performance of Cyrano de Bergerac’s monologue about his nose. (Content Warning: The speech includes a sword duel and use of the word “ass” briefly.)
• Specific lines can be connected to the theme of The Nature of Beauty and The Mind.
• How does this version of Cyrano’s monologue compare to the original?

1987 Film: Nose Monologue

• This 5-minute portrayal is a more recent version of Cyrano’s nose monologue. (Teacher-appropriate; not student facing. Content Warning: This performance includes two sexual jokes regarding his nose.