How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #7
DE GUICHE
That voice…
(The door of Roxane’s house opens; lackeys appear, bearing lighted candles. Lights up. Cyrano removes his hat.)
And that nose!—Cyrano! (III.554)
Cyrano’s identity is primarily defined by two traits: his voice and his nose. Notice which one comes first.
Quote #8
ROXANE
You do not altogether know me… Dear,
There is more of me than there was—with this
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! (IV.456-464)
Roxane is no longer the shallow girl we saw before; in redefining her ideas of what identity means, she has significantly altered her own.
Quote #9
CHRISTIAN
Let her choose between us!—
Tell her everything!
CYRANO
No—you torture me—
CHRISTIAN
Shall I ruin your happiness, because
I have a cursed pretty face? That seems
Too unfair!
CYRANO
And am I to ruin yours
Because I happen to be born with a power
To say what you—perhaps—feel?
CHRISTIAN
Tell her!
CYRANO
Man—
Do not try me too far!
CHRISTIAN
I am tired of being
My own rival! (IV.481-490)
The last line here shows just how conflicted Christian has been about letting Cyrano do the talking. At last, he works up the nerve to tell Roxane the truth, to speak with his own voice and be known for who he is. He wants Roxane to love his own identity and his own soul.