How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #21
ROXANE
Oh, this is terrible!
THE CAPUCHIN (Turns the light of his lantern on Cyrano)
You are to be—
CHRISTIAN
I am the bridegroom!
THE CAPUCHIN (Turns his lantern upon Christian; then as if some suspicion crossed his mind, upon seeing the young man so handsome.)
Oh—why, you…
ROXANE (Quickly)
Look here—
"Postscript: Give to the Convent in my name
One hundred and twenty pistols"—
THE CAPUCHIN
Think of it!
A worthy lord—a very worthy lord!...
(To Roxane, solemnly)
Daughter, resign yourself! (III.441-446)
The Capuchin is used to seeing young, pretty maidens forced to wed old, ugly men. The fact that he thought the groom was Cyrano says something about just how ugly Cyrano is.
Quote #22
CYRANO
Hm—The boy looks pale
When he is asleep—thin too—starving to death—
If that poor child knew! Handsome, none the less…(IV.13-15)
Even after being half-starved and living in constant fear of attack, Christian maintains his good looks. Cyrano’s assessment is part jealousy and part happiness on behalf of Roxane.
Quote #23
ROXANE
I came here to say
"Forgive me"—(It is time to be forgiven
Now, when we may die presently)—forgive me
For being light and vain and loving you
Only because you were beautiful.
CHRISTIAN (Astonished)
Roxane!...
ROXANE
Afterwards I knew better. Afterwards
(I had to learn to use my wings) I loved you
For yourself too—knowing you more, and loving
More of you. And now—
CHRISTIAN
Now?...
ROXANE
It is yourself
I love now: your own self. (IV.434-443)
Roxane thinks her vanity has dissipated, but do we believe her? Would she really choose Cyrano if given the truth?
Quote #24
ROXANE
I can love more of you—more of what makes
You your own self—Truly!...If you were less
Lovable…
CHRISTIAN
No!
ROXANE
—Less charming—ugly even—
I should love you still.
CHRISTIAN
You mean that?
ROXANE
I do
Mean that!
CHRISTIAN
Ugly?...
ROXANE
Yes. Even then!
CHRISTIAN (Agonized)
Oh…God!...
ROXANE
Now are you happy?
CHRISTIAN (Choking)
Yes…(IV.460-465)
Rather than rejoice in Roxane’s newfound ability to NOT be a shallow chick out of Mean Girls, Christian has to despair at the fact that he’s nothing but a pretty boy.
Quote #25
CHRISTIAN
She would love me if I were ugly.
CYRANO (Startled)
She—
Said that?
CHRISTIAN
Yes. Now then!
(IV.475-476)
That Cyrano is so shocked by Roxane’s words is a testament to her nature; it’s hard to believe someone so vain could ever get past appearances.
Quote #26
SISTER MARTHE (To Mother Marguérite)
Sister Claire has been looking in the glass
At her new cap; twice! (V.1-2)
Cyrano de Bergerac would remind us that vanity is a ubiquitous trait.
Quote #27
CYRANO
That is not the story! You remember
When Beauty said "I love you" to the Beast
That was a fairy prince, his ugliness
Changed and dissolved, like magic…But you see
I am still the same. (V.309-313)
For the first time, Cyrano equates his ugliness with bitterness and utter despair. Ironically, at this time, Roxane no longer cares about his looks and admits her unconditional love for him.