SCENE 3.II.

In this chapter of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” the theme of secret love and impending conflict is woven throughout, reflecting the complex intertwining of affection, jealousy, and honor. Roxane reveals her deep admiration for the poetic letters she believes are from Christian, which are actually written by Cyrano, her secret admirer. Her praise of these letters enraptures Cyrano, even as he modestly rebuffs the notion that they are the work of a master. Suddenly, the arrival of De Guiche disrupts the intimate conversation. The duenna quickly ushers Cyrano away to keep Roxane’s secret love undisclosed from De Guiche, who harbors his own affections for Roxane and possesses the power to jeopardize her romantic aspirations.

Upon De Guiche’s entrance, Roxane conducts herself with courtesy, masking her emotions as De Guiche announces his departure for the war, where he will lead a siege against Arras. Despite Roxane’s apparent indifference, De Guiche is visibly pained by the distance war will place between them and the uncertainty of their reunion. His revelation of being named the commander of the Guards, which includes Roxane’s cousin and Christian—Roxane’s supposed love interest—alarms her. De Guiche’s plans to avenge himself on Roxane’s cousin at Arras further complicates matters, prompting Roxane to feign despair over Christian going to war to manipulate De Guiche into sparing the regiment from the front lines.

This chapter artfully captures the intricacies of 17th-century courtship, honor, and the tangled web of love through eloquent dialogue and strategic maneuvering. The characters find themselves in a delicate balance of revealing and concealing truths, driven by love, duty, and the looming threat of war.