Another Cyrano De Bergerac Essay, Research Paper
Every generation has its own heroes that display, what they
believe to be, ideal characteristics. While each is different in
their own way, many of these role models share similar
qualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion,
or another respected trait, but this is not necessarily why
they win the adoration of their followers. Cyrano De
Bergerac is a perfect example of how many protagonists win
our allegiance because his sensibilities will not be denied,
because he lives life to the hilt, and because he is a victim of
his surroundings. If there was ever a figure who would not
be denied his sensibilities, it is Cyrano. When lovers admit,
"I’d die for you," it is usually only a figure of speech. Cyrano
actually crossed over enemy lines every day simply to mail
love letters. He also confessed to her, "My mother made it
clear that she didn’t find me pleasant to look at. I had no
sister. Later, I dreaded the thought of seeing mockery in the
eyes of a mistress. Thanks to you I’ve at least had a
woman’s friendship, a gracious presence to soften the harsh
loneliness of my life. " When Cyrano admits, "My heart
always timidly hides its self behind my mind," the reader can
instantly relate to this dilemma but it is the fact that Cyrano is
able to overcome it that makes him a hero. Not only is
Cyrano filled with emotion, but he also goes out of his way
to live life to the fullest. Cyrano’s introduction to the reader
definitely leaves a lasting impression. Not only does he
banish an actor from the theater for performing poorly, but
he proceeds to recite poetry while dueling with another
member of the audience. Every moment of Cyrano’s life is
filled with action like this. When he was informed that one
hundred men were going to kill his friend, Ligniére, he was
thrilled with the idea of fighting all these men at once, and, of
course, he succeeded. How could anyone not love this man
who takes Carpe Diem to its most extreme form? Also,
Cyrano is a victim of his surroundings. This may be the one
characteristic that completely wins over the reader. Cyrano’s
most obvious flaw is his grotesque nose, but this would not
be so awful if the people around him didn’t care. Knowing
that he is the victim of a problem beyond his control, the
reader can do nothing but sympathize with him. The epitome
of this is his death. His only wish in life was to dye noble . . .
by the sword, but he again he is hurt by an outside force that
he had no influence over. When he says, "Fate is a great
jester! I’ve been struck down, but from behind, in an
ambush, by a lackey wielding a log! I’ve been consistent to
the end, I’ve failed in everything, even in my death," the
reader is completely won over. Perhaps the most impressive
thing about those we follow is that they’re human. Again,
Cyrano De Bergerac is the perfect example of how a hero
wins the adoration of his followers. By showing his intense
feelings, living life to the fullest, and still remaining human, he
is able to win the heart of almost any reader. Heroes have
changed a lot over the years. When one looks at napoleon
they are hardly reminded of John Lennon. While different
generations find different qualities to be noble, there are
some heroes, like Cyrano, who will be loved for all time.