Cyrano de Bergerac, Act 2, Scene 1 summary
Act 2, Scene 1 of 51 · 7 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 1, Christian waits at the theater for the woman he loves, and Lignière identifies her as Roxane while explaining Count de Guiche’s marriage scheme. Meanwhile, Ragueneau and Le Bret search for Cyrano, whose ban on Montfleury’s performances creates tension as the audience demands that the play begin.
What happens
- Lignière introduces Christian, a newcomer from Touraine who joins the Guards tomorrow, to fashionable theatergoers.
- Christian fears his limited wit makes him unfit to address the refined woman he loves.
- Wine persuades Lignière to stay, and Ragueneau arrives looking for Cyrano, who forbids Montfleury to perform.
- The men describe Cyrano’s talents, unusual clothing, enormous nose, and dangerous response to anyone mentioning it.
- Roxane appears, and Lignière identifies her and explains Count de Guiche’s plan to marry her to Monsieur de Valvert.
- Christian stays watching Roxane as pickpockets approach; Lignière leaves, and the audience calls for the performance.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Cyrano de Bergerac, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this scene
What to notice
Christian connects his fear of courtship with his sense of verbal inadequacy. His anxiety becomes sharper when Lignière identifies Roxane as exceptionally witty.
Quick check
Why does Ragueneau expect trouble at the performance?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Cyrano de Bergerac, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
