A symbol that is frequently mentioned and referred to throughout Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac is the white plume, otherwise known as panache. The white plume represents the protagonist’s, Cyrano’s, unwavering flamboyance and Cyrano’s obsession with expressing and maintaining his panache drives his actions throughout the play, whether it be picking fights with de Guiche’s men, refusing to live a life of wealth, or writing eloquent and romantic poetry for Roxanne under Christian’s name. The white plume and what it means to Cyrano stays constant throughout the course of the play, but motivates him to take both selfish and selfless actions in different situations. The symbol of the white plume is significant to Cyrano’s character development …show more content…
Cyrano loves Roxanne, his childhood friend and cousin, but is afraid to tell her his feelings because he is self-conscious of his big nose. However, when Roxanne tells him that she loves Christian and asks him to protect him and have him write to her. Even though Cyrano is proud and disappointed that Roxanne’s love is not for him, he agrees. This is motivated by his panache; he does not want to disappoint Roxanne or do anything to upset her, so he agrees to take up her request eloquently. In addition to this, although the white plume is not directly referred to in Act II, Cyrano once again declares that he is a free man because he does not have status or wealth, expressing his panache in the same manner as he had with Valvert in Act I. When Cyrano’s friend, Le Bret, tells him that Cyrano is wasting the opportunity to become successful, Cyrano reciprocates with his famous “no thank you” speech, restating that he’s rather be independent and poor than dependent and wealthy. Cyrano’s panache maintains its meaning in the second act, but reveals a more selfless, thoughtful side to his character as