How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
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.