Every so often, I find myself reading Cyrano de Bergerac. I've got the entire text posted, and it's curious to see how often those pages come up when I'm searching for this or that (a quote, an idea, or a nice relevant link). I'm drawn in again before I know it, and I recall all the moments of the written text, the play on stage, the movies, and all.
It shouldn't be surprising... Cyrano de Bergerac is the most famous play by Edmond Rostand. And, Cyrano is a marvelous character--witty, passionate and full of vitality (which is why he's inspired so many adaptations). Known for his big nose, witty comebacks and his short temper--Cyrano falls in love with his beautiful cousin, Roxane. He loves her from afar, courts her for another man, and then to keep on loving--without hope.
Here's one bit: "And what is a kiss, specifically? A pledge properly sealed, a promise seasoned to taste, a vow stamped with the immediacy of a lip, a rosy circle drawn around the verb 'to love.' A kiss is a message too intimate for the ear, infinity captured in the bee's brief visit to a flower, secular communication with an aftertaste of heaven, the pulse rising from the heart to utter its name on a lover's lip: 'Forever.'"
I wonder how many lovers use language like that--anything nearing that passionate play-of-words. To refresh your memory, here are a few quotes. Or, read the entire text of this 5-act play. Enjoy! And, let me know what you think... Have you seen the play on stage? Have you enjoyed the movies? Have you never heard of Edmond Rostand before?
Comments
You have inspired me to read the book. I have watched the movie in several forms and like most, they miss so much that can only be appreciated in the reading. Thanks.
I love this play. I have it in both treebook and ebook format, so that I can get to it whenever I like. I was amazed though when someone argued with me because they never knew Cyrano was a real person (albeit his nose wasn’t quite as big).