Cyrano De Bergerac :: Cyrano De Bergerac Essays

Cyrano de Bergerac   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Every generation has its own heroes that display what they believe to be idealcharacteristics. While each is different in their own way, many of these role models share similarqualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion, or another respected trait, but this isnot necessarily why they win the adoration of their followers. Cyrano de Bergerac is a perfect and ideal “chevalier servant';, or to put it in simple terms, a perfect example of how many protagonistswin our allegiance because his sensibilities will not be denied. Mainly because he lives life to thefullest, and because he is a victim of his surroundings.If there ever was a figure in this book who would be the ideal “chevalier servant';, it isCyrano. When lovers admit, “I’d die for you';, it is usually taken as a figure of speech. Cyranoactually crossed over enemy lines every day simply to mail love letters. He also confessed toRoxane, “My mother made it clear that s he didn’t find me pleasant to look at. I had no sisters.Later, I dreaded the thought of seeing mockery in the eyes of a mistress. Thanks to you, I’ve atleast had a woman’s friendship, a gracious presence to soften the harsh loneliness of my life.';When he then admits, “My heart always timidly hides its self behind my mind';, the reader can instantly relate to this dilemma but it is the fact that Cyrano is able to overcome it, then thatmakes him the ideal “chevalier servant';.Not only is Cyrano filled with emotion, but he also goes out of his way to live life to the fullest. Cyrano’s introduction to the reader definitely leaves a lasting impression. Not only does he banish an actor from the theater for performing poorly, but he proceeds to recite poetry while dueling with another member of the audience. Every moment of Cyrano’s life is filled with action like this. When he was informed that one hundred men were going to try and kill his frien d, Ligniere, he was trilled with the idea of fighting all these men at once, and, of course, he succeeded. How could anyone not love this man who takes “Carpe Diem'; to its most extreme form? Also, Cyrano is a victim of his surroundings. This may be the one characteristic that completely wins over the reader. Cyrano’s most obvious flaw is his grotesque nose, but this would not be so awful if the people around him didn’t care.