Glossary
I. CHARACTERS
Christian
Based on Christophe, Baron de Neuvillette, husband to the model for Roxane and apparently not actually a rival of Cyrano. He was a soldier and indeed died in 1640 during the Siege of Arras.
Cyrano
Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655) seems to have been just as memorable a figure in life as he became in literature. Courageous, skilled in dueling, sharp of wit, and gifted with words, Cyrano was noted for his ability to combine quick action and beautiful language. Supposedly, he did sport an oversized nose, though perhaps not quite of grotesque proportions. There is no record of a love life, with his cousin or otherwise (he may, however, have contracted syphilis, and his sexual orientation has been a subject of some speculation). Though not a Gascon by birth, Cyrano joined Carbon de Castle-Jaloux’ company of Gascon Cadets, proving time and again his valor and earning the designation “le démon de bravoure” [the Daring Devil] for his actions. Cyrano sustained a sword-blow to the neck during the Siege of Arras; the wound effectively ended his military career, and Cyrano spent the rest of his life tackling more academic pursuits, from philosophy to physics, as well as writing. During this time, he produced works that included The History of the Societies and Government of the Moon, telling of a utopian society in which large noses are lauded. Wounded by a falling log (accidental or otherwise) in 1654 (possibly late 1653), he found himself housebound and largely confined to bed, and died in July of 1655. At the time of the play (1640), the historical Cyrano would have been 21.
Duenna
This honorific title (first used in Spain and Portugal but common in France by Rostand’s time) indicated an older woman hired to serve as governess to a young woman (or young women); duennas oversaw daily activities in the household, frequently acted as confidantes or surrogate mothers, and also acted as chaperones, safeguarding the honor of their charges by curtailing the advances of men. Such characters recur in literature, and often help to guide their charges toward desirable matches (sometimes those desired by the young woman, sometimes those preferred by others).
de Guiche
Antoine III, Comte de Guiche, Duc de Grammont (1604-1678) was a skilled soldier and a figure of considerable political power. He proved his resilience in battle by fighting in the Siege of Arras of 1640, and from 1639-1671 commanded the French Guards, one of France’s two non-ceremonial royal infantry regiments (as well as the regiment to which Cyrano and the Gascon Company belonged). In 1641, de Guiche was declared Marshal of France. In 1643, de Guiche made a politically savvy move and married Françoise-Marguerite de Chivré, niece of Cardinal Richelieu. (He would have been a married man at the time of the play, a fact noted in Rostand’s work.) According to Jo Roets, the de Guiche of Cyrano is a composite figure, assembled from various noblemen in Rostand’s original play.
Lignière
According to available accounts, François Payot, sieur de Lignière (1626-1704), poet and rapscallion, was fond of drink and liberal in voicing offensive opinions, just as is portrayed in Rostand’s play.
Le Bret
Henri Le Bret, a friend of the real-life Cyrano, was a religiously observant man and a published author during his life. He met Cyrano while the two were teenaged classmates at school, and he may have prompted the hot-headed boy into joining the Guard, to which Le Bret already belonged. Le Bret and Cyrano remained close until Cyrano’s death—Le Bret seems to have been a level-headed and conservative influence on his intemperate friend, often seeking to reform him—and Le Bret became Cyrano’s first biographer and the editor of his posthumous works. Indeed, Le Bret’s accounts are responsible for the majority of biographical information on Cyrano to this day.
Monk
In general, monks were presumed to lead quiet and removed lives, spending their days in prayer and labor, devoted to the worship of God. Whether they maintained such strict lifestyles is another matter, and many played loose with the rules, chasing pleasure and coin or entangling themselves with outside, often political, influences.
Ragueneau
A pastry chef who was more passionate about the arts than maintaining his shop. The historical Ragueneau eventually consigned the shop to an unhappy end through inattention and tried to take up the life of an actor; he ended up serving as a candlesnuffer in Molière’s troupe. In Rostand’s work, Ragueneau helps to facilitate Cyrano’s meeting with Roxane; his wife runs off with a musketeer; and his pastry-shop is ransacked by hungry visitors who take advantage of his generosity as well as his amiable distraction.
Roxane
Based on Madeleine Robineau (1610-1657), an actual cousin of Cyrano’s who seems to have behaved generously toward him, though there is no record of any romantic entanglement between the two. As in Cyrano, Madeleine married a soldier and peer of Cyrano’s in the Guard (Christophe, Baron de Neuvillette, the model for Christian). After her husband’s death, Madeleine turned to a solitary life of mourning and charitable work. Apparently, she also attempted (with the aid of Le Bret and others) to convert the atheistic Cyrano in his dying days.
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II. TERMS
A) HISTORICAL FIGURES
Capuchin
Members of the Capuchin branch of the Franciscans—monks following the simple practices of St. Francis of Assisi—pledge to cast off worldly adornments and relationships in favor of purer pursuit, prayer, and charity. Capuchins adhere with particular strictness to St. Francis’ guidance. Despite their reputation for sanctity, the Capuchins are mostly known today for inspiring the name of a popular coffee drink, the Cappuccino.
“There’s a Capuchin monastery nearby, where I can hide.” (de Guiche II)
Cardinal
Undoubtedly referring to Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu (1845-1642), known more commonly as Cardinal Richelieu, who effectively controlled France during the reign of King Louis XIII. From a young age, Richelieu displayed marked aptitude for religious, political, and academic affairs, and he was elected Bishop in his early 20s. Louis XIII at first accepted Richelieu only with great reluctance, but quickly came to depend on the savvy advisor. In part because of his very real, very extensive political sway, and in part owing to his appearance as the evil opponent lurking at the heart of The Three Musketeers, Richelieu’s name becomes synonymous with power and Machiavellian machinations. By the time of his death in 1642, Richelieu was the most powerful man in France. De Guiche had real ties to Richelieu, for in 1634, he had married the Cardinal’s niece, Françoise-Marguerite de Chivré.
“Mademoiselle, it is the high will of the Cardinal that you shall comply with his strict orders, without protest.” (Roxane III)
Countess de Guiche
If referring to Antoine de Guiche’s wife, this would be Françoise-Marguerite de Chivré, niece of the powerful Cardinal Richelieu.
“On Friday, the Countess de Guiche said no in the morning, and yes in the evening, at the dance.” (Cyrano V)
Gascons
Famously fierce, independent, and prone to acts of impulsive violence, Gascons hail from Gascony (or Gascoigne), a long-historied region in southern France along the Spanish border and adjacent to territory claimed by the Basques. By the 17th Century, Gascony had been passed from the French to the English and back to the French; it was no coincidence that the Gascons developed a spirit of fierce individualism. This dynamic individuality has made the Gascon something of a popular figure in French culture. Although himself not a Gascon, having been born in Paris, Cyrano apparently identified with the archetype and may have furthered stories in his own life of a Gascon origin. For another famous literary Gascon, see the bold d’Artagnan in Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers (1844).
“I heard bad news. Somebody said that that company of yours is made up mainly of Gascons…” (Roxane II)
the King
Louis XIV (September 5, 1638–September 1, 1715), the so-called “Sun King,” became King of France at the age of four, and would have been 16 years old at this point in the play. Although he came of age in 1651, Louis continued to rely on the help of his mother, Queen Anne and his minister, Cardinal Mazarin, until Mazarin’s death in 1661. With Mazarin dead, Louis at last took full control of France as an absolute monarch, reportedly declaring, “L’Etat, c’est moi” (the state is me). In his youth, the King tended toward debauchery and immoderation, and preferred dwelling in royal abodes (such as Fontainebleau) outside of Paris.
“On Saturday the nineteenth, the king was unwell after drinking eight bottles of Moselle.” (Cyrano V)
Madame Mancini
Of Roman birth, Marie Mancini (1639-1715), was a niece to Mazarin and an object of affection for the young Louis XIV. For a time, she seemed a likely candidate for the next Queen of France; these hopes were effectively quashed in 1660, when Louis committed himself to a politically wise match and married Marie-Thérèse, daughter of the Spanish King.
“On Thursday, the whole court went to Fontainebleau. Madame Mancini became the queen of France, for the night.” (Cyrano V, 31)
Queen
Because Louis didn’t marry until 1660, this reference presumably relates to his mother, Anne, who had been the Queen of Louis XIII and served as Regent until her son came of age; even after that, she remained active in affairs of state until 1661, at which point Louis took total control.
“On Sunday, they burned seven hundred and sixty-three real beeswax candles, and at the Queen’s ball, there were a few scandals.” (Cyrano V)
Sisters of the Cross
The Parisian convent called Filles de la Croix (Daughters of the Cross) was founded during the mid-17th century, and its sisters largely dedicated themselves to the instruction of girls. A relative of the historical Cyrano de Bergerac served as abbess.
“The convent garden of the Sisters of the Cross in Paris.” (Narrator V)
squire
A young man training under and in the service of a nobleman; early squires were boys who attended to knights.
“You arrogant clod—a squire without gloves, without frills, without bows, without gold braid.” (de Guiche I)
viscount
The fourth ranking of the five French titles of nobility (duke, count, marquis, viscount, baron).
“No gloves, you say? I did have one a while ago. But now it’s vanished without a trace, I think I left it in some viscount’s face.” (Cyrano I)
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B) LOCATIONS
Castel-Jaloux
Casteljaloux, located in southwest France, is now known as a spa town.
“We are the Gascony cadets, / The men of Castel-Jaloux. / We conquer hearts and wager bets, / And all the blood in us is blue!” (Christian II)
church of Saint-Germain
Likely referring to Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, located on the Right Bank of the Seine, near the Louvre. Beginning in the 14th Century (and continuing into the 17th), the Roman Catholic Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois served as the royal church. Interestingly, Rostand refers instead to “Saint-Roch.” Turns out that the construction of Saint-Roch did not begin until 1653, and it was not fully constructed until the 1700s (Saint-Germain, on the other hand, had been long established by the 17th century).
“Tomorrow, at the break of day, she will be going to the church of Saint-Germain.” (Duenna I)
Fontainebleau
One of the many residences of the French royalty, the palace of Fontainebleau was located to the southeast of Paris; it was originally built in the 12th Century and famously restored and enlarged in the 16th. Prior to the completion of Versailles as the primary royal residence, it was typical for the French royalty to leave the court in Paris for more distant, equally sumptuous abodes. This was particularly true of Louis XIV, who had learned from a series of violent uprisings known as the Fronde to maintain his rule from outside of turbulent Paris and to tighten his control over nobles and non-nobles alike.
“On Thursday, the whole court went to Fontainebleau.” (Cyrano V)
Mount Everest
Renowned as the world’s highest peak at 29,035 feet, Everest is located in the Himalayan mountain range in southern Asia. It was not actually given the name “Everest” until the mid-1800s, when it was named for Sir George Everest, an Englishman who served as the Surveyor General of India. “Mount Everest” has become a byword for an apparently impossible challenge, but here the reference seems rather literal: an epically enormous promontory.
“I’d love to rest on your magnificent Mount Everest!” (Actor One I)
Porte de Nesle
A formidable gate once located on the Left Bank of the River Seine in Paris, across from the church of St.-Germain and the Louvre, it served as one of a series of defensive, historic gates that regulated movement in and out of Paris; the Porte de Nesle has since been destroyed. Alexandre Dumas penned a play, La Tour de Nesle (1832), based around the tower found beside the Porte de Nesle.
“I can’t go home. They’re waiting for me at the Porte de Nesle. A hundred men, armed to the teeth, because of my little ditty about Count de Guiche…” (Lignière I)
quay
A wharf or pier; that is, a structure built along water for receiving ships. More generally, this just refers to the waterside embankment, likely along the Seine.
“It went dark, really pitch-black, and as there were no lamps lit on the quay, I couldn’t see a hand in front of…” (Cyrano II)
rue Saint Honoré
This well-trafficked street winds through the heart of historic Paris, passing by the Louvre and the church of St-Germain; it was considered by Rostand’s time to be a fashionable street (and remains so today). According to Rostand, Ragueneau’s pastry-shop is situated where the rue Saint Honoré meets the rue l’Arbre Sec.
“On the corner of rue Saint Honoré.” (Le Bret I)
Vimy
Located approximately seven and a half miles from Arras, in what is today northern France. Perhaps most remembered today for the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge, during which Canadian troops proved their mettle.
“No, Vimy can be reached.” (Cyrano IV)
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C) MILITARY
army made the Austrians tremble
Headed by the Hapsburg dynasty, Austria existed as a part of the Holy Roman Empire (which had dissolved by Rostand’s time; in 1867, Austria became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire) and was a traditional enemy of France, if not during Cyrano’s time so formidable an opponent as Spain.
“Our army made the Austrians tremble on Monday at five, and four witches were burnt too, so they’re no longer alive.” (Cyrano V)
cadets
From the Gascon capdet, for “young son,” cadets (typically the youngest sons of noble families, hence those unable to take a title from their fathers) joined the army to train for and achieve officer status, a privilege reserved almost exclusively for members of the nobility. Carbon de Castel-Jaloux’ company seems indeed to have been composed of noblemen (hence, “the blood in us is blue”).
“We are the Gascony cadets, / The men of Castel-Jaloux. / We conquer hearts and wager bets, / And all the blood in us is blue!” (Christian II)
colors of your regiment
In 1640 France, it was uncommon for soldiers to dress in uniform, or for regiments or companies to display a particular color. This gave the soldiers free reign to display their individual personality and personal fortunes through clothing. By Rostand’s time, the French Guard was distinguished by the color blue, as they are to this day. See the Guards for further information on the regiment featured in Cyrano.
“He wears the colors of your regiment.” (Roxane II)
company
Military unit existing as part of a regiment, led (also typically recruited and paid) by a captain. Soldiers often displayed more loyalty to their captain and fellow company members than to the army or country as a whole, and fierce rivalries between individual companies were not uncommon. See the Guards for further information on the company featured in Cyrano.
“What’s more, he’s even—what a small world this is!—in your company.” (Roxane II)
the Guards
The French Guard (Gardes Françaises) was an esteemed regiment formed by King Charles IX in 1563. Composed chiefly of nobles between 18 and 50 years of age, the Guards enjoyed extensive privileges: as the king’s company, they could stake out the most advantageous position on a battlefield. In 1640, there were 30 companies in the French Guards, each composed of 200 men. And from 1639-1671, the French Guard was commanded by one Antoine de Guiche.
“And here’s the order for the Guards.” (de Guiche II)
laying siege to Arras
Initiated by the French against the Spanish as part of the Thirty Years’ War, the siege of Arras (not to be confused with a subsequent Battle of Arras in 1656) lasted from June through August of 1640. Having surrounded the town of Arras (located in what was then the Spanish-controlled Netherlands, and is now part of northern France), the French soldiers found penetration of the strong walls and Spanish defenses difficult. Matters were complicated further by the arrival of fresh Spanish troops, who surrounded the French and cut off their supply lines—for some time, the besiegers were themselves besieged and the outcome was very much in doubt. Eventually, though, the French managed to get fresh supplies through, and the Spanish conceded defeat. The real-life Cyrano participated in the siege of Arras—receiving a throat wound that ended his military career—as did the historical de Guiche and the model for Christian.
“I am going to war. We are laying siege to Arras.” (de Guiche II)
Spanish army
Many factors combined to make France and Spain deadly enemies during this period; though for the most part they fought long, bloody proxy wars over territory throughout Europe, they also faced off more directly, as in this instance. During what was for France the darkest time of the Siege of Arras, the Spanish surrounded the French army and imposed a siege of its own, forcing the French to face impending starvation.
“The situation is getting untenable. The Spanish army has got us in a stranglehold. Even the rats are fleeing our army camp because of hunger.” (de Guiche IV)
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D) OBJECTS AND REFRESHMENT
beeswax candles
Beeswax burned more cleanly and with a more pleasant smell than did candles made from tallow (that is, from fat), and were more costly. Due to their expense, beeswax candles were essentially exclusive to churches and the homes of the wealthy. The wax itself is the material used by bees in creating honeycombs.
“On Sunday, they burned seven hundred and sixty-three real beeswax candles, and at the Queen’s ball, there were a few scandals.” (Cyrano V)
coronets
A smaller, less majestic crown worn by those holding rank below the King; also a very common literary analogy for the Crown. The use here may reflect the noble birth of the Gascons, may display arrogance in laying claim to royal power, or may be a sort of irreverent inversion of a crown’s use and significance.
“Our hats we wear for coronets / Have plumes to hide the holes from view!” (Christian II)
Moselle
A wine from the region of the Moselle River, which winds through Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
“On Saturday the nineteenth, the king was unwell after drinking eight bottles of Moselle.” (Cyrano V, 31)
paté
Highly variable dish composed of a chopped meats that may range from poultry (including liver) to pork to fish, and may include vegetables, spices, jelly, and other such ingredients. Served hot or cold, it is often used as a spread.
“Paté, a game dish, Burgundy.” (Roxane IV)
rapier
Typically, a slim-bladed sword more useful in duels than battle, having greater power in the thrust than in slashing; the predecessor of the fencing foil. “Rapier” has also become a fairly common generic term for a sword, and is likely used in that sense here.
“My rapier is tingling.” (Cyrano I)
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E) OTHER TERMS
Aristophanes’ hippocamelelephunt
An imaginary, monstrous beast combining the features of several creatures. The exact animals may be perceived in several different combinations; “hippo” may refer to the Greek term for a horse and “camel” may be simply a camel, but “hippocamelus” is a species of deer. Rostand’s original actually cites “hippocampelephantocamelos;” the “hippocampe” is French for sea-horse, the rest creates quite the mythical amalgam (including the obvious implications of the elephant’s trunk). According to editor Oscar Kuhn’s notes in an 1899 edition of the play, the reference is to a letter written from Le Bret to Cyrano.
“Only Aristophanes’ hippocamelelephunt had an appendage of that size in front.” (Actor One I)
a hundred men…
According to legend, Cyrano actually did take on a group of 100 men who had been sent to murder his friend, the poet Lignière. Details vary from one account to the next, but it seems that Cyrano killed several of these attackers and drove the rest away, affirming his own reputation and securing Lignière’s safety. The tale—whether true in part or in whole, or purely fiction—has remained one of the most durable features of the Cyrano myth.
“I can’t go home. They’re waiting for me at the Porte de Nesle. A hundred men, armed to the teeth, because of my little ditty about Count de Guiche…” (Lignière I)
no gloves
The traditional sign for initiating a duel involved either using one’s glove (or gauntlet) to slap the offender, or throwing the glove to the ground before said lout. Dueling was common enough that Richelieu banned the practice in 1626, though this effort had little effect. Duels were not necessarily fatal, and need not even involve bloodshed; one’s honor rather than one’s life was the primary stake, though deaths were not unheard of. According to available accounts (be they truth, exaggeration, or all-out legend), Cyrano participated in almost countless duels, and dueling seems the ideal sport for this warrior with a poet’s soul.
“No gloves, you say? I did have one a while ago. But now it’s vanished without a trace, I think I left it in some viscount’s face.” (Cyrano I)
queen of France gave…
Referring to Anne of Austria (Louis XIII’s Queen) and the reputedly dashing Englishman George Villiers, aka Lord Buckingham. Rostand is most likely alluding to The Three Musketeers (1844), in which Alexander Dumas famously traced an illicit romance between the two.
“A kiss is such a noble thing, Madame, that the queen of France once gave one to the lucky Lord Buckingham.” (Cyrano III)
without frills…
17th-century French fashion favored elaborate decoration in men’s clothing, particularly for nobles. Frivolous ornamentation, far from seeming effeminate, was a sign of status and wealth, and accessories such as gloves, frills, bows, and braids were de rigueur for the well-to-do. Such privileges of frippery were reserved for the upper crust; indeed, all men and women were expected to dress in accordance with their class and rank. To do otherwise would have been effrontery, not to mention impossibly expensive for most anyone outside of the nobility—even some of the most elite risked bankrupting themselves on their fashions.
“You arrogant clod—a squire without gloves, without frills, without bows, without gold braid.” (de Guiche I)
wore short skirts
By Rostand’s time (the late 19th Century), young girls wore skirts that hung above the ankles, only donning full-length skirts as a sign of maturity and entrance onto the marriage market (in other words, once such things became a desirable commodity, they had to be hidden from view). Note that this reference in the play is another anachronism, as during the 17th Century, children essentially dressed in the same long-skirted style as adults.
“And you wore short skirts, and people still called you Madeleine.” (Cyrano II)
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