Cyrano de Bergerac An Introduction Unit Goals l

Cyrano de Bergerac An Introduction

Unit Goals l l l To develop Oral Communication Skills To develop an understanding of theme To continue to develop analysis skills To develop research skills To continue to develop writing skills To develop media creation skills

Cyrano– The Man l l l Lived in 1619 -1655 (36 years) Born in Paris France A soldier, who had trouble accepting the soldier’s life Opponent of war, the death penalty Very uncommon for this time period

Background on the Play l l Written by Edmond Rostand ion 1897 Written inspired by the Baroque period: -grandeur, sensuous richness, drama, vitality, movement, tension, emotional exuberance and a blur between reality and art are associated this time period. Originally written in French Written entirely in verse—rhyming couplets, 12 syllables/line

Background on the Play l l l Meticulously researched—accurate names, down to most minor character Historically inaccurate Introduced the word “panache” into the English Language

Background on the Play l l l Set in France Set in 1640 -1655 Filled with political tension and foreign conflict (war)

Staging l The stage of the Hotel de Bourgogne with a farce in progress. 1630

Staging l l The Royal Game of Tennis, Paris, early 17 th century. Tennis courts often rented out by actors to be used for performances– weather dependant

Staging

Terms to Know A Marquis: l A nobleman ranking below a duke and above an earl or a count. l Used as a title for such a nobleman. l Given titles by heritage— arrogant, not to be bright, silly. Title not function l Fashion queens of the time

Terms to Know Cavalier: l A military man serving on horse. l One of the court party in the time of King Charles I, as contrasted with a Roundhead or an adherent of Parliament. l A well mannered man; a gentleman.

Terms to Know Lackey: l a uniformed manservant A Cutpurse: l a thief A Page l Below a Knight. Serves him.

Terms to Know A Duenna: l A chaperone (or occasionally chaperon) l an adult who accompanies or supervises one or more young, unmarried men or women during social occasions, usually with the specific intent of preventing inappropriate social or sexual interactions or illegal behavior

Terms to Know Porter: l a person employed to carry luggage and supplies l doorkeeper: someone who guards an entrance A Soubrette: l is a term referring to a type of female role-specifically, a stock character--in opera and theatre.

Terms to Know The Meddler l officious annoying person who interferes with others Stock Characters l No name l Title indicates traits we should recognize.

Topic Vs Theme Topic: -Is general -Can be expressed in one word -Example: Love Theme: -The message we receive about a piece of literature -Often a complex idea -Must look at the literature as a whole to truly understand theme Example: True love is achieved through an honest relationship and his hindered through cruel deceptions.

Topics to Think about while Reading l l l l Beauty Truth Courage Cowardice Hero Friendship Morality l l l l l Deceit/Lies Honour Love Friendship Appearance vs. Reality Secrets Good Vs Evil Human Nature Insecurities

Focus Questions Think about these while we read: l Is Cyrano a hero? l How do secrets shape a life? l Who do lies effect the most? l How does a persons lack of self awareness prevent him/her from seeing the truth? l l l What impact does one’s insecurities have on his/her life? What is true love? What message does Rostand provide us about the following topics: -Courage -Love -Beauty -Truth