Cyrano: I can see him there---he grins--- He is looking at…
““Cyrano: I can see him there---he grins--- He is looking at my nose---that skeleton ---What's that you say? Hopeless?---Why, very well!--- But a man does not fight merely to win! No---no---better to know one fights in vain!... You there---Who are you? A hundred against one--- I know them now, my ancient enemies--- Falsehood!...There! There! Prejudice---Compromise---Cowardice--- What's that? No! Surrender? No! Never---never!... Ah, you too, Vanity! I knew you would overthrow me in the end--- No! I fight on! I fight on! I fight on! Yes, all my laurels you have riven away And all my roses; yet in spite of you, There is one crown I bear away with me, And to-night, when I enter before God, My salute shall sweep all the stars away From the blue threshold! One thing without stain, Unspotted from the world, in spite of doom Mine own!--- And that is... Roxane: ---That is... Cyrano: My white plume…””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A passionate declaration that fighting for honor and love persists despite betrayal, vanity, and inevitable defeat.
In simple terms: Love and honor drive relentless struggle despite loss.
Key Takeaway
Embrace purpose beyond external validation.
Themes
honor
love
betrayal
vanity
resilience
Mood
defiant
tragic
inspirational
Type
dramatic
poetic
When to use this quote
- romantic pursuit
- personal integrity
- overcoming prejudice
- facing mortality
Key Concepts
existentialism
heroic idealism
self-sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives you to fight when odds are impossible?
- How can you honor values without self‑harm?
A Different Perspective
The quote glorifies noble struggle but may ignore practical limits of self‑destruction.