SCENE 2.III.

In this chapter of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” we witness a quirky yet heartfelt scene unfold in Ragueneau’s bakery. Ragueneau, a baker with a deep passion for literature, is visited by two children seeking three pies. As he prepares to pack the pies, Ragueneau’s distress over using his precious poetry bags as wrapping reveals his sentimental attachment to his written works. Each bag he picks up contains a verse that he cannot bear to part with, from musings on Ulysses and Penelope to the golden-locked Phoebus, illustrating his inner conflict between his roles as a baker and a poet.

Lise, likely Ragueneau’s wife, exhibits impatience and practicality, urging him to make a decision while she busies herself with arranging plates. In a moment of desperation to preserve his poetry, Ragueneau bribes the children with additional pies in exchange for the return of the “Sonnet to Phillis,” highlighting his preference for art over business. The scene briefly shifts to a comedic tone as Ragueneau joyfully recovers his sonnet, only to find it stained with butter, a subtle nod to the inevitable merge of his two worlds.

Cyrano’s abrupt entry into the bakery marks a shift in the atmosphere. His urgent inquiry about the time and his palpable emotion hint at an upcoming significant event, setting a tone of anticipation and suspense. Ragueneau, ever the respectful and hospitable host, responds to Cyrano, while the latter’s anxious demeanor suggests that his visit is of utmost importance.

This chapter artfully balances humor with a hint of melancholy, showcasing Ragueneau’s affection for his poetry juxtaposed against the mundane reality of his bakery. Cyrano’s sudden appearance adds a layer of intrigue, leaving readers eager to understand the connection between his anxiousness and the events at the bakery. Through dialogue and descriptive actions, the characters’ distinct personalities and priorities are vividly portrayed, enriching the narrative fabric of “Cyrano de Bergerac.”