Cyrano & Roxane
He loved with words lent to another's face
The poet-swordsman Cyrano, ashamed of his enormous nose, writes the love letters with which his handsome friend Christian wins Roxane — the woman Cyrano himself secretly loves.
01Why it matters
It is the archetype of love that sacrifices and hides behind another's beauty; the word "panache" entered language through him.
02The conflict
Cyrano's insecurity over his looks and his loyalty to Christian.
03The iconic moment
Roxane discovering, too late, that the letters were Cyrano's.
04What survived
Rostand's play; "Roxanne" and a thousand adaptations.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Cyrano & Roxane famous?
It is the archetype of love that sacrifices and hides behind another's beauty; the word "panache" entered language through him.
How does the story of Cyrano & Roxane end?
Roxane discovering, too late, that the letters were Cyrano's. Rostand's play; "Roxanne" and a thousand adaptations.
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