- 1
Why is the fifth act set fifteen years later than the rest of the play?
The short answer is that Rostand wants to show Cyrano's death. He's also able to age the characters and thus allow for poetry about autumn and fading away. The entire fifth act acts as a reflection on the rest of the play, mirroring Rostand's reflection of a long-gone society in the form of Cyrano.
- 2
Why is De Guiche there, and what is the significance of his dialogue?
De Guiche's relationship with Cyrano needed to be resolved before Cyrano died, and so his presence in the act was required. His claim of respect for Cyrano reveals a sentiment hidden just under the surface of their previous...
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