Cyrano De Bergerac Panaches

In the introduction to Cyrano de Bergerac, Alfred Cohn defines panache as “an external quality which adds color and brilliancy to the internal things already worth having for their intrinsic value” (Rostand vi). He also says that there are three indicators or qualities of a person with panache—personal bravery, magnetism, and joy. This essay will show how Cyrano adheres to the characteristics or qualities associated with panache, them being personal bravery, magnetism, and joy.
Cyrano demonstrates personal bravery throughout the play in many different circumstances. Particularly, he shows personal bravery through how he demonstrates honor. An example of this is when he agrees to help Christian win over Roxanne, a very beautiful woman, with their joint actions. Christian says,” What would I not give for eloquence!” Cyrano responds by saying, “I’ll lend you some! Lend you
to me your physical attraction, and the two combined will constitute the hero of romance.” (Rostand Act II.x.). This demonstrates personal bravery because he is risking his reputation for his friend, Christian. Another example of how Cyrano shows personal bravery through his honor is that during the war between the Gascons and the Spanish, he would cross the Spanish lines daily in order to give a letter to Roxanne. Cyrano says about Christian, “I promise that he would write often! (Act IV.i.). This instance shows both personal bravery and honor because Cyrano is risking his life daily during the war in order to honor his statement made to Roxanne that Christian would write often. Based on various evidence found in the text, it can be proved that Cyrano adheres to the quality of personal bravery.
Cyrano also demonstrates magnetism in his daily life throughout the play.
An example of magnetism that draws people to Cyrano throughout the play is his long nose. Particularly, in Act I when Cyrano shows up at the play at the Hotel de Bourgogne, he is mocked for his nose. Raganeau, head pastry cook at the bakery, mocks Cyrano’s nose by saying, “Prouder than the proudest of Gascony’s numberless haughty sons, he wears, above his Pulcinella ruff, a nose!.... Ah! My lords, what a nose is that nose! It is impossible, in presence of such a nose-bearer not to think : This, really is exaggeration! Then you will smile, a think of course, he’ll take it off. But Monsieur de Bergerac takes it off” (Act I. ii.). Another example of magnetism that draws people to Cyrano is his wit and skill as a writer. Particularly, Roxanne is drawn to Cyrano’s writing which is shown through her wanting Christian to write often at battle. Also, this is shown when she woos after reading “Christian’s” letters. Based on the evidence provided, it can be proved that Cyrano demonstrates a plethora of magnetism throughout the
play.
The third quality and characteristic that Cyrano adheres to is joy. This joy is shown through his relationship with Roxanne throughout the play. As has already been mentioned, an example of this is when he joyfully agrees to aid Christian in winning Roxanne. Another example of Cyrano’s joy is that at the end of the play, after being hit by a log, he is happy and joyful to be alive for a few more hours. Furthermore, in the final lines of the play, Cyrano decides to read the letter that Roxanne has had around her neck ever since the death of her lover, Christian. Cyrano, reading in the dark and unable to see the words, is still able to read it as he has it memorized. After this, Roxanne realizes that it has been Cyrano all along that she has loved, and recognizes his voice and tone. Before his death, Cyrano is content with his relationship with Roxanne, showing his joy. Based on the evidences provided, it is shown that Cyrano shows joy throughout the play.
Based on the evidences presented—personal bravery, magnetism, and joy, it can be proved that Cyrano adheres to the elements of a character who has panache.