“Cyrano de Bergerac,” written by Edmond Rostand, is a classic play filled with memorable quotes that have stood the test of time. This tragicomedy, first performed in 1897, tells the story of Cyrano, a talented poet and swordsman with a large nose who is in love with his beautiful cousin, Roxane.
Throughout the play, Cyrano’s wit and eloquence shine through in his poetic and romantic declarations. His love for Roxane is evident in lines such as, “‘I love thee! How, didst thou say? By looking skyward’,” where he uses vivid imagery to express his devotion.
Cyrano’s famous nose is often a subject of mockery, yet he embraces it with pride and self-assurance. In one of the play’s most iconic quotes, he declares, “‘My panache.’,” referring to his nose. This quote symbolizes his defiance of societal norms and his refusal to be defined by his physical appearance.
The play also explores themes of honor, bravery, and sacrifice. Cyrano’s unwavering loyalty to his friend, Christian, is evident when he helps him woo Roxane, despite his own love for her. He selflessly facilitates their relationship, offering words of love and passion that Christian cannot express himself. One of the most moving quotes from the play is, “‘One kiss, my life, my soul and my death.’,” demonstrating the depth of Cyrano’s sacrifice.
Cyrano de Bergerac’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of Rostand’s words. Whether it is his poetic declarations of love, his embrace of his unique features, or his unwavering loyalty, Cyrano’s quotes continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
Inspirational Quotes from Cyrano de Bergerac
2. “I have a different idea of elegance. I don’t dress like a fop, it’s true, but my moral grooming is impeccable. I never appear in public with a soiled conscience, a tarnished honor, threadbare scruples, or an insult that I haven’t washed away. I’m always immaculately clean, adorned with independence and frankness. I may not cut a stylish figure, but I hold my soul erect. I wear my deeds as ribbons, my wit is sharper then the finest moustache, and when I walk among men I make truths ring like spurs.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
3. “To love is not to look at one another, it is to look together in the same direction.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
4. “Oh, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown! The courtier’s, soldier’s, scholar’s, eye, tongue, sword; the expectancy and rose of the fair state, the glass of fashion and the mould of form, the observed of all observers!” – Cyrano de Bergerac
5. “A kiss is a secret told to the mouth instead of the ear; kisses are the messengers of love and tenderness.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
Famous Quotes by Cyrano de Bergerac
Here are some memorable quotes by the iconic character Cyrano de Bergerac:
- “A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous, and liberal man.”
- “Oh, she makes me humble with her silver eyes!”
- “I am a poet – if I did not laugh, I would die!”
- “I worship you without dreams, without memories, without recall. My heart has emptied all and freed itself of all earthly desire. I am empty as a sword, as a gallant dying on the battlefield.”
- “A kiss is a secret told to the mouth instead of the ear; kisses are the messengers of love and tenderness.”
- “How fragrant is the mint! How sweet the air!”
- “Live for something. Die for something. It is far better to desire honor than to possess it.”
- “My life will not be long, and the memory of me will be the eternal perfume of a flower that may no longer exist.”
- “Is my blood a petal or poison?”
- “My weapon may not be sharp, but my tongue is!”
These quotes showcase the eloquence, wit, and passion of Cyrano de Bergerac, a character known for his poetic and fierce nature.
Memorable Lines from Cyrano de Bergerac
1. “A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.”
2. “I would rather be a weakling in a world of caged tigers than a tiger in a pen.”
3. “I am a poet, and I have built myself a kingdom out of words.”
4. “What a fool I am, talking to myself about her!”
5. “I may climb Everest, but not a step the staircase.”
6. “To love is not to look at one another, but to look together in the same direction.”
7. “The nose is not made for spectacles, it is made to smell roses.”
8. “I have no helmet, for I have no head left to protect.”
9. “No one is morose with a balloon!”
10. “We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
11. “One does not make friends. One recognizes them.”
12. “A great nose may be an index of a great soul.”
13. “I may be an outcast, but I am a self-proclaimed king of my own world.”
14. “A kiss, when all is said, what is it? A rosy dot, placed on the ‘I’ in loving.”
15. “Oh yes, Paris does pant after these monstrous absurdities they call poems.”
16. “I may conquer nations, but they shall know that they have been conquered by a poet!”
17. “A little wit, a little charm, and a great big nose – that sums up Cyrano.”
18. “I thank Love for giving me the chance to excel in the only field in which I shine – words.”
19. “Oh, how bow-shaped my lip is!”
20. “I have so often been told I should be a tragedian. But I am a comedian!”
Impactful Quotes from Cyrano de Bergerac
“A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.”
“I am a poet, and I am here to celebrate the sacrifice of love.”
“My heart always timidly hides itself behind my mind.”
“A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous, and liberal man.”
“What if I am afraid to speak? Afraid that I will stumble over my words and reveal the depth of my love?”
“I may not be physically attractive, but my soul is beautiful.”
“Every man has his excuse ready-made when he wants to fail.”
“I would rather live in a world with one beautiful lie than a thousand unpleasant truths.”
“To sing, to laugh, to dream, to walk in my own way, free with an eye to see things as they are.”
“Love is when the soul starts looking for beauty in another person.”
Cyrano de Bergerac Quotes on Love
In Cyrano de Bergerac, the theme of love is explored in a variety of ways. Here are some popular quotes from the play that highlight different aspects of love:
| Quote | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.” | This quote suggests that a kiss can convey more than words and can communicate intimate feelings. |
| “One does not die of love, but of the lack of it.” | This quote conveys the importance of love in one’s life and suggests that love is necessary for happiness. |
| “I love you so much that every inch of me is in pain.” | This quote expresses the depth of love that the speaker feels, to the point where it becomes physically painful. |
| “The heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing.” | This quote suggests that love is often irrational and cannot be fully understood or explained by logic. |
| “To love is not to look at one another, but to look together in the same direction.” | This quote emphasizes the importance of shared goals and dreams in a loving relationship. |
These quotes from Cyrano de Bergerac shed light on the complexities and depth of love. They show that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that it defies rational explanation.
Cyrano de Bergerac Quotes on Beauty
“What would I be if no one applauded me widely?”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
“For when I love, I love with my soul.”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
“It is not a crime to be beautiful, but it is a crime to be as you are!”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
“Beauty is a fire, but whether it warms or burns you depends on who you are.”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
“By any other name would smell as sweet.”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
“A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.”
– Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac Quotes on Courage
“I may have a big nose, but at least I have a big heart to match.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
“This nose, now! Has always been too large for my face!… But, big as it is, it is not big enough for a wholehearted company of honor and courtesy! All my life long, I have done my best to make it bigger, but have never been able to manage it! Its right nothingness fits the enormous kindness of my soul! It is my penance – my life-long cross, for I love sweetness and light with all my heart – yet – the darkness of despair holds me in its grip!” – Cyrano de Bergerac
“I did not say that I have the most courage, but I certainly have the courage to tell the truth, which not everyone possesses.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
“One must live as one thinks, otherwise, sooner or later, one ends up thinking as one has lived!” – Cyrano de Bergerac
“It’s not the size of your nose that matters, but the size of your courage.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac Quotes on Wit
Wit and wordplay are central themes in the play “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Cyrano, the charming and eloquent protagonist, is known for his quick wit and ability to craft clever and humorous insults. Here are some memorable quotes from the play that showcase Cyrano’s talent for wit:
- “A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous, and liberal man.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
- “I have a ready tongue as well, and witty, just like my pen”. – Cyrano de Bergerac
- “To win a woman, take her with your words; To win a sword fight, take your words away.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
- “It’s not the size of my nose that matters, it’s the size of my wit!” – Cyrano de Bergerac
- “A man should always have his wit ready, for there’s nothing more dangerous than the wit you lack.” – Cyrano de Bergerac
These quotes highlight Cyrano’s belief in the power of wit and the ability to use words to conquer any challenge or win over any heart. His wit is a reflection of his intelligence, creativity, and charm, making him a beloved and memorable character in the realm of literature.