Who was Cyrano de Bergerac? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

French Celebrities Born In March

Also Known As: Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac

Died At Age: 36

Family:

father: Abel de Cyrano

mother: Espérance Bellanger

Novelists Playwrights

Died on: July 28, 1655

place of death: Sannois, France

Notable Alumni: Lycée Louis-le-Grand

City: Paris

More Facts

education: Lycée Louis-le-Grand

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1

What is the main theme of Cyrano de Bergerac?

The main theme of Cyrano de Bergerac is love, particularly unrequited love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for it.
2

Who is the author of Cyrano de Bergerac?

Cyrano de Bergerac was written by French playwright Edmond Rostand.
3

What is the setting of Cyrano de Bergerac?

Cyrano de Bergerac is set in 17th century Paris, France.
4

What is the significance of Cyrano's large nose in the play?

Cyrano's large nose is symbolic of his insecurities and his belief that he is unworthy of love due to his physical appearance.
5

How does Cyrano de Bergerac use language and poetry to convey its themes?

Cyrano de Bergerac is known for its eloquent and poetic language, which is used to explore themes of love, honor, and courage throughout the play.

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Childhood & Early Life

Cyrano Bergerac was born on March 6, 1619, in Paris, to Espérance Bellanger and Abel de Cyrano. Cyrano’s father was a lawyer and was the lord of Mauvières and Bergerac.

At the tender age of seven, Cyrano was sent to a country priest for his primary education. Later, Cyrano moved to Paris, and pursued his further education from an institute called ‘College De Dormans-Beauvais’. However, Cyrano didn’t complete his degree.

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Career

Post his education, Cyrano joined the infantry, also known as the corps of the guards, and served for the forces during the year 1639-40. Cyrano was just nineteen years old at the time he joined the army.

During the ‘Siege of Arras’ in 1640, Cyrano was terribly wounded, after which he hung his boots from military services. He then spent quite some time working with noted mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Pierre Gassandi. During the days he spent with Gassandi, Cyrano also met other intellectuals such as Molière' and Chapelle. He also came in contact with David Dupron from whom Cyrano learnt his lessons in dancing.

Cyrano then ventured into writing. His first work is said to be 'Le Pédant Joué’, a play which belonged to the genre of comedy. Though this play was written in the year 1645, it is unclear about when the act was first performed. This piece of work was published nine years after it was written by Cyrano.

The very next year, Cyrano penned the introduction for ‘The Judgement of Paris’, a poetic work composed by one of his closest friends Charles'Coypeau' d'Assoucy.

One of the most prominent works of Cyrano’s career was 'La Mort d’Aggrippine’, which was written in 1646. This tragic play, which was divided into five acts dealt with the exploitation of power and growth of corruption. The play went on to become so popular that it was published in 1653, and was performed on stage twice, the following year. Even after two centuries, the play was brought back to the public in 1872.

During the last few years of his life Cyrano started writing two of his very influential works titled ‘Voyage To The Moon’ and 'The States and Empires Of The Sun’. Though the latter was incomplete, both these works were published during the years 1657 and 1662, respectively.

Major Works

A compilation of Cyrano’s works, titled ‘Oeuvres Diverses' which translated to ‘Diverse Works’, was published by his friend Charles Coypeau in 1653. The book consisted of works such as ’The Death of Agrippina’, 'The Pedant Outwitted' and 'The Letters’. The book was also known for a famous portrait of Cyrano which was done by one of Cyrano’s friends named Zachary Heince.

Personal Life & Legacy

Cyrano was originally named Savinien. He frequently changed his names before finally arriving at Cyrano. Few of his fictitious names were Hercule de Bergerac, de Bergerac, Alexandre de Cyrano Bergurac, and de Bergerac Cyrano.

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Cyrano died on 28 July 1655, at the age of 36. The reason behind Cyrano’s death continues to be a mystery. It’s claimed by many that Cyrano had ended up in an asylum during his last days since the ‘artist in him had turned mad with numerous ideas’. Cyrano’s brother Abel was accused of forcing the playwright into such a place.

One of the best tributes paid to Cyrano by the theatre world was the play ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ directed by noted playwright Edmund Rostand.

This play which was staged post Cyrano’s death, suggests that the French playwright succumbed to death after a wooden beam fell on his head during one of the visits to his patron Duc D'Arpajon’s residence.

Cyrano’s life went on to become an inspiration for various operas in the 1900s. The adaptations were made by various popular playwrights, such as Walter Damrosch, Franco Alfano, and Eino Tamberg.

Noted writer Louis Gallet had penned a book named ‘The Adventures of Cyrano de Bergerac’. The central character of this adventure tale was written based on incidents from Cyrano’s life.

The year 1990, saw the release of a movie based on Cyrano’s life titled ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’. This film received much acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

Facts About Cyrano de Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac was not only known for his wit and swordsmanship, but he was also a talented poet and playwright, writing several works during his lifetime.

Despite his prominent nose being a source of ridicule from others, Cyrano was known for his confidence and self-assurance, never letting his physical appearance hinder his pursuits.

Cyrano was a loyal friend and devoted to those he cared about, often going to great lengths to protect and support them.

He had a unique sense of style, often dressing in flamboyant and extravagant clothing that set him apart from others.

Cyrano had a deep love for the arts and was passionate about theater, music, and literature, contributing significantly to the cultural scene of his time.

Cyrano de Bergerac Biography

You wanted to know

What is the main theme of Cyrano de Bergerac?

Who is the author of Cyrano de Bergerac?

What is the setting of Cyrano de Bergerac?

What is the significance of Cyrano's large nose in the play?

How does Cyrano de Bergerac use language and poetry to convey its themes?