SCENE 5.V.

In the final moments of *Cyrano de Bergerac*, the scene sets a tone of reflective melancholy mixed with enduring affection. Roxane, seated outside a convent, anticipates Cyrano’s arrival amidst the serene beauty of autumn—a metaphorical backdrop highlighting the themes of change, decay, and the enduring spirit. As she waits, Roxane remarks on the comfort brought by the season’s calm, contrasting with the dazzle of April, symbolizing her personal journey of grief and acceptance over the years.

Cyrano, albeit arriving late for the first time in their long history of meetings, brings a lively presence marred by his pale visage, an immediate signal of his declining health. Their interaction effortlessly mixes banter with moments of poignancy. Cyrano plays along with a pretense of having been detained by a creditor, a poignant metaphor for his impending death, showcasing his penchant for masking pain with humor.

The interaction with Sister Martha introduces a light-hearted yet solemn undertone, as Cyrano jests about his condition while concealing his suffering. His request for prayers from Sister Martha, a departure from his usual mockery of religious piety, hints at his introspection and acknowledgment of his mortality.

Roxane and Cyrano’s conversation, drifting from playful rebukes to observations of falling leaves, reflects a deeper philosophical contemplation of life, beauty, and the inevitable decline. Cyrano’s attempt to maintain normalcy through recounting court gossip juxtaposes his physical struggle, emphasizing his dedication to comforting Roxane till the end.

As Cyrano’s strength wanes, culminating in a moment of collapse, Roxane’s awakening to his condition marks a pivotal emotional turn. Her reference to the wound she carries, metaphorically tied to the love and loss represented by Christian’s letter, intertwines with Cyrano’s own visible and invisible scars.

The chapter concludes with a touching request from Cyrano to read the letter, symbolizing his yearning for closeness and acknowledgment of their deeply intertwined souls. Through this request, the narrative arc poetically circles back to their complex relationship, underscored by themes of unrequited love, sacrifice, and the enduring beauty of the human spirit despite its fragility.