Cyrano de Bergerac, Act 5, Scene 5 summary
Act 5, Scene 5 of 51 · 6 min to read the scene
In Act 5, Scene 5, Cyrano arrives pale and weak, hides his condition with jokes, and asks to read the farewell letter Roxane keeps against her breast. As darkness falls, his familiar voice and impossible reading reveal his hidden love to Roxane, though he continues denying it.
What happens
- Cyrano arrives late, struggles into a chair, and jokingly describes an unwelcome creditor whom he asks to return.
- He teases Sister Martha, asks for her prayers, and watches falling leaves with Roxane.
- While reporting court news, Cyrano faints, then blames an old wound from Arras.
- Roxane gives him her cherished farewell letter, and he reads it aloud as evening darkens.
- Roxane recognizes his voice and realizes he knows the letter without being able to see it.
- She identifies him with the letters and declarations of love; he denies loving her, and Le Bret and Ragueneau enter.
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In this scene
What to notice
The darkness exposes that Cyrano does not need to see the letter. Roxane connects his voice with the love she remembers.
Quick check
What makes Roxane question how Cyrano can read the letter?
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