Overview

Cyrano de Bergerac, a play by Edmond Rostand, is a classic work of French literature first performed in 1897. The play is a fictionalized account of the life of the real Cyrano de Bergerac, a 17th-century French playwright and duelist. Rostand’s play is a romantic comedy that follows the life of its titular character, a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, as he pines for the love of his life, Roxane. The play is known for its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and poignant exploration of love and self-sacrifice. The play has been adapted into film numerous times, including in 1950 when José Ferrer won an Academy Award for Best Actor portraying Cyrano. 

Read the free full text, the full play summary, an in-depth character analysis of Cyrano, and explanations of important quotes from Cyrano de Bergerac.

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