Table of contentsIntroductionCyrano's insecurity and its manifestationsUnrequited love for RoxaneThe fatal consequences of insecurityConclusionIntroductionTragedies have always been a captivating genre in literature and theater, known for their emotionally draining stories. Whether classical masterpieces or contemporary works, the very word "tragedy" evokes a feeling of sorrow and doom. The tragic character, often flawed and tormented, struggles with forces beyond his control, ultimately leading to his downfall. Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a convincing example of contemporary tragedy that distinguishes itself from Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Sophocles' "Oedipus the King." Although “Cyrano de Bergerac” may not be as sad as its classical counterparts, it nevertheless tells a story of deep sadness. The main character, Cyrano, is a man whose life and eventual tragic death are profoundly shaped by his overwhelming flaw: his crippling fear of rejection and his pervasive insecurity. This essay explores how Cyrano's insecurity permeates every aspect of his life, affecting his relationships, his decisions, and ultimately leading to his downfall. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Cyrano's Insecurity and Its Manifestations Cyrano is a complex character who values ​​many things, including literature and theater. His first notable appearance in the play is when he passionately defends his beloved theater by attempting to remove from the stage an actor, Montfleury, whom he despises. At first glance, Cyrano's motivations may seem unclear. Why does he care so much about Montfleury's performance? Why isn't he bothered by the prospect of making enemies because of his actions? As we delve deeper into Cyrano's character, it becomes clear that his seemingly aggressive behavior stems from a deeper insecurity. Cyrano confides: “I like it when others hate me” (page 114). This paradoxical statement reveals his inner turmoil. As much as he wants people to dislike him, it becomes apparent that he uses this as a self-defense mechanism to rationalize the overwhelming number of individuals who harbor resentment towards him. Cyrano's particular behavior therefore appears to be a manifestation of his self-hatred, leading him to deliberately make enemies, all stemming from his underlying insecurity. Unrequited Love for Roxane At the center of the story is Cyrano's secret, unrequited love for Roxane, a woman whom he values ​​deeply as a friend. Over time, Roxane falls in love with Cyrano's eloquent letters, without knowing that they were written by him. Even after the death of his lover, Christian, and alleged author of the letters, Cyrano remains silent about his true feelings and identity. He continues to be around Roxane's life, devoting fifteen long years to this silent and unfulfilled love. Cyrano's tragic downfall is inextricably linked to his inability to express his true emotions. His silence and his refusal to pursue the woman he loves transform him into an unhappy and lonely man. He becomes more and more cynical and his inner turmoil eats away at him. When his close friend Le Bret suggests revealing the truth to Roxane, Cyrano vehemently rejects the idea, accusing his insecurity, embodied by his prominent nose, of being the insurmountable barrier to their love. Cyrano's tragic flaw, his insecurity, is a profound obstacle that ultimately condemns him to a life of loneliness and misery. The fatal consequences of insecurity.