'Cyrano de Bergerac' by Edmond Rostand W/Guest Eric Robert Morse
Mar 24, 2021
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Discussion on the play 'Cyrano de Bergerac' with focus on love triangle, portrayal of Cyrano's looks, spiritual/body dichotomy, success, and pride. Guest Eric Robert Morse adds depth with a debate on Pride and the character of Cyrano.
Cyrano's larger-than-life persona shines through his wit and courage, defending his honor amidst challenges.
The theme of unrequited love and selfless sacrifices adds depth to Cyrano's character and interactions.
Cyrano's pursuit of success intertwines with tragedy, self-realization, and a legacy of courage and unrequited love.
Deep dives
Cyrano's Multifaceted Identity and Chivalry
Cyrano de Bergerac, a complex figure of the 17th century, excels not just as a Gascon guard, but as a poet, playwright, philosopher, scientist, and adept duelist. His larger-than-life persona unfolds as he defends his honor in a staged play, displaying wit and courage amidst making enemies. Despite facing challenges like a menacing group sent to kill him, Cyrano's true prowess shines during a romantic awakening, sparked by Roxanne's interest. This portrays his multi-dimensional character and unwavering chivalry.
Unrequited Love and Selflessness
A poignant theme in the narrative revolves around unrequited love and selfless sacrifices. Cyrano's deep affection for Roxanne, despite believing he's undeserving due to his perceived physical flaw, leads him to assist Christian in wooing her. Through poetic words and spiritual connections, Cyrano navigates feelings of love, longing, and honor, ultimately supporting the union of Roxanne and Christian, masking his genuine emotions for the greater good.
Success, Tragedy, and the Enduring Legacy of Cyrilism
As the story unfolds, Cyrano's pursuit of success in heroism, literature, and love intertwines with tragedy and self-realization. In a poignant conclusion, despite missing personal triumphs and enduring the sting of moral integrity, Cyrano finds solace in the spiritual bond he shares through letters with Roxanne. His legacy, exemplifying courage, sacrifice, and unrequited love, echoes the enduring essence of Cyrilism, a testament to the profound depths of human emotions and desires.
Interpretation of Cyrano's Character
Cyrano's character is analyzed in depth, examining his pride and selfishness. While some view him as prideful and selfish, others argue that his actions are driven by a desire for excellence and doing things the right way. The complexity of Cyrano's character is explored through his interactions with other characters and his internal struggles, shedding light on the different facets of pride and selflessness in his persona.
Christian Influence and Sacrifice in Cyrano
The podcast delves into the Christian influence and themes of sacrifice in 'Cyrano de Bergerac.' Discussions revolve around aspects of pride in Christian beliefs, delving into the distinction between accomplishment-driven pride and the negative connotations of arrogance. The narrative's intertwining of Christian motifs with themes of honor, selflessness, and sacrifice adds layers to the character of Cyrano, highlighting the complexity of his actions and motivations throughout the play.
Eric and I go over a synopsis of this play, first staged in 1897 to immense adulation. Then we discuss the meaning of the love triangle, the larger-than-life character of Cyrano and the meaning of the play.
Since 1897 there has been a variety of different projections of Cyrano’s looks. This is an important feature of the play. How ugly should Cyrano be?
What is it that Roxanne falls in love with?
Can a beautiful man also be bright and clever and witty?
What role does Cyrano’s nose play?
We analyze some specific passages in the play.
We take a look at the spiritual/body dichotomy in the play.
The role of “success” in Cyrano.
In the second half of the conversation, Eric, who is a Catholic, and I have a debate about Pride and the meaning of Cyrano’s Pride.
Eric Robert Morse (ericrobertmorse.com) is a writer, publisher, painter, illustrator, web programmer, philosopher, theologian, economist, and historian. His published works include a critique of Behavioral Economics (Psychonomics), a theory of political economy (Juggernaut), two novels (Monaco and Ricky Wills It), a psychology of storytelling (The 90-Minute Effect), a history of Feminism (The Economic Theory of Sex), and a sociology of postmodern America (Tearing at the Seams).
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