Edmond Rostand's classic romance tells the unforgettable story of one
unique man's bravery, loyalty, and unspoken love.
Set in seventeenth century Paris, the action revolves around the
emotional problems of the noble, swashbuckling Cyrano, who, despite his
many gifts, feels that no woman can ever love him because he has an
enormous nose. Secretly in love with the lovely Roxane, Cyrano agrees to
help his inarticulate rival, Christian, win her heart by allowing him to
present Cyrano's love poems, speeches, and letters as his own work.
Eventually Christian recognizes that Roxane loves him for Cyrano's
qualities, not his own, and he asks Cyrano to confess his identity to
Roxane; Christian then goes off to a battle that proves fatal. Cyrano
remains silent about his own part in Roxane's courtship. As he is dying
years later, he visits Roxane and recites one of the love letters.
Roxane realizes that it is Cyrano she loves, and he dies content. Cyrano
de Bergerac was based only nominally on the 17th century nobleman of the
same name, known for his bold adventures and large nose.
This edition includes:
-A concise introduction that gives readers important background
information
-A chronology of the author's life and work
-A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical
context
-An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own
interpretations
-Detailed explanatory notes
-Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on
the work
-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group
interaction
-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's
experience
Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of
literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The
scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate,
understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.
