Author
Edmond Rostand
1868-1918
Edmond Rostand (1868-1918) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Edmond Rostand
Cyrano de Bergerac
"Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand is a play written in 1897. This verse drama tells the story of a brilliant swordsman and poet cursed with an enormous nose that makes him doubt his worthiness of love. Though he adores his beautiful cousin Roxane, Cyrano believes his appearance bars him from her affection. When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, Cyrano agrees to help—writing eloquent love letters in Christian's name, sacrificing his own heart for another man's romance.
Cyrano de Bergerac: An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts
"Cyrano de Bergerac: An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts" by Edmond Rostand is a play written in 1897. This verse drama follows Cyrano, a brilliant swordsman and poet cursed with an enormous nose that makes him doubt himself. Though he loves his beautiful cousin Roxane, he believes his appearance bars him from her affection. When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, Cyrano agrees to help—secretly writing eloquent love letters on Christian's behalf while hiding his own passionate feelings.
La Princesse lointaine: Pièce en quatre actes, en vers
"La Princesse lointaine: Pièce en quatre actes, en vers" by Edmond Rostand is a dramatic play written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Joffroy Rudel, a lovesick troubadour who embarks on a perilous journey across the sea to meet his distant beloved, the Princess Mélissinde of Tripoli. The play explores themes of unrequited love and the ideals of chivalry, shaped by the romantic aspirations of its characters. The opening of the play sets a dramatic tone, depicting a battered ship's deck after a violent storm. A group of weary sailors discusses their hardships, revealing a sense of camaraderie and determination. They are tasked with transporting the ailing Prince Joffroy Rudel, who dreams of seeing Mélissinde, the object of his love, before he dies. The camaraderie among the sailors is tinged with desperation as they deal with their own physical suffering while simultaneously carrying the weight of Rudel's lofty ambitions. The scene beautifully captures the blend of passion and peril that ignites the characters’ journey toward love and destiny.
Le Cantique de l'Aile
"Le Cantique de l'Aile" by Edmond Rostand is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. The work appears to celebrate themes of aspiration, heroism, and the human spirit's flight towards freedom, using the metaphor of wings to explore broader ideas of conquest and the challenges faced by those who dare to dream. At the start of the collection, the poet invokes images of heroes and their longing for flight, reflecting on the significance of human ingenuity and courage. Rostand eloquently portrays the moment mankind first took to the skies, emphasizing the triumphant spirit of France as its people embrace the newfound ability to soar. The initial verses set a tone of pride and nostalgia, grounding the theme of flight in historical context while expressing a universal yearning for liberation and adventure. The reader is invited into a lyrical exploration of how this leap into the unknown transforms the landscape of expectations for humanity.
L'Aiglon
"L'Aiglon" by Edmond Rostand is a play in six acts written in 1900. The drama centers on Napoleon II, the son of Emperor Napoleon I, whose nickname "the Eaglet" gives the play its title. Created specifically for the legendary Sarah Bernhardt, who premiered the role in Paris, the play explores the life of this young heir to an empire. The work became one of Bernhardt's signature performances and later inspired an opera adaptation by Arthur Honegger and Jacques Ibert.
L'Aiglon: Drame en six actes, en vers
"L'Aiglon: Drame en six actes, en vers" by Edmond Rostand is a verse drama written in 1900. It tells the romanticized story of Napoleon II, the Duke of Reichstadt, son of Napoleon Bonaparte, during his final years. Trapped in a gilded cage at the Austrian court and haunted by his father's legendary shadow, the young duke struggles to claim his identity and destiny. Will he find the courage to escape his captors and reclaim France, or will he remain forever imprisoned by circumstance and family?
La dernière nuit de Don Juan: poème dramatique en deux parties et un prologue
"La dernière nuit de Don Juan: poème dramatique en deux parties et un prologue" by Edmond Rostand is a dramatic poem written in the early 20th century. The work revisits the legendary character of Don Juan, exploring themes of seduction, morality, and consequence. The narrative unfolds during a critical night where Don Juan grapples with his past actions and the entities that seek his soul. The opening of the piece introduces us to Don Juan descending an ominous stairway, accompanied by the statue of the Commander, reflecting on his past conquests as he is pursued by darker ideals. His witty banter with Sganarelle, his servant, establishes his irreverent charm and ingrained willingness to defy authority. A pact with the devil and the notion of accountability for his actions loom large as the characters lead us into a whirlwind of memories, foreshadowing a transformation in Don Juan’s character amidst encounters with spectral figures from his past. This initial setup promises a poetic exploration of regret and the inevitable consequences of a life lived recklessly.
Deux romanciers de Provence: Honoré d'Urfé et Émile Zola Le roman sentimental et le roman naturaliste
"Deux romanciers de Provence: Honoré d'Urfé et Émile Zola" by Edmond Rostand is an essay written in the late 19th century. This work explores the contrasting literary styles and societal impacts of two prominent Provençal authors: Honoré d’Urfé, known for his sentimental romance, and Émile Zola, a key figure in naturalism. Rostand delves into the creative worlds these authors inhabited, offering insights into their respective influences on French literature and culture. At the start of the essay, the author establishes the context for comparing the two writers by highlighting the rich literary heritage of Provence. He notes how each novelist represents a distinct literary tradition—Urfé embodying elegance and romantic idealism, while Zola reflects a more brutal and realistic portrayal of contemporary society. Rostand introduces the theme of nostalgia for a bygone era, mentioning his admiration for d’Urfé's ability to romanticize life, juxtaposed with a critical examination of Zola’s stark realism. The opening sets the stage for a deeper analysis of how these authors' unique styles link to deeper social changes within their time and underscores the complexities of provincial identity through the lens of literature.
Les Musardises
"Les Musardises" by Edmond Rostand is a collection of poems written during the late 19th century. The work delves into themes of art, creativity, and the struggles of artists, illustrated through various poetic forms and expressions. With an air of exploration and introspection, the poems underpin the joys and sorrows associated with being a dreamer and a creator in a world often dismissive of those pursuits. The opening of "Les Musardises" presents a dedication where the poet expresses solidarity with those deemed "ratés" or failures in society, referring to the misunderstood artists and dreamers. It establishes a tone of camaraderie and understanding, as the speaker grapples with the fears of failure in the pursuit of artistic dreams while simultaneously yearning for recognition. As the poem unfolds, it highlights the complexities of the poet’s inner world, capturing both hope and melancholy, and sets a reflective mood that anticipates further explorations of beauty, struggle, and aspiration throughout the collection.
Chantecler: Play in Four Acts
"Chantecler: Play in Four Acts" by Edmond Rostand is a whimsical play from the early 20th century that combines elements of allegory and comedy. It centers around Chantecler, a proud rooster who believes his crowing brings the sun to rise and maintains the order of the farmyard. Through a rich ensemble cast of barnyard animals, including hens, a blackbird, a turkey, and even a pheasant-hen, the play explores themes of vanity, self-importance, and the interplay between nature and society. The opening of the play establishes a vibrant farmyard setting where various birds and animals chatter, showcasing their personalities and relationships. We are introduced to Chantecler, who is depicted as theatrical and self-absorbed, lavishing praise on the sun, which he reveres as a goddess. Other characters, like the skeptical blackbird and loyal dog Patou, provide contrasting views about Chantecler’s lofty self-image. In this lively atmosphere, the characters engage in banter that hints at societal critiques, such as the impact of new fashions and ideas. The initial interactions establish a comedic tone while foreshadowing the potential conflicts that may arise as the story unfolds.
Συρανό δε Μπερζεράκ
"Συρανό δε Μπερζεράκ" by Edmond Rostand is a play written in 1897. Set in 17th-century Paris, it tells the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant poet and swordsman cursed with an enormous nose that makes him doubt his worth. Though deeply in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane, he believes himself too ugly for her affection. When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, Cyrano makes a fateful decision: to write passionate love letters on Christian's behalf, hiding his own heart behind another man's face.
Cyrano de Bergerac: Viisinäytöksinen runomittainen sankarinäytelmä
"Cyrano de Bergerac: Viisinäytöksinen runomittainen sankarinäytelmä" by Edmond Rostand is a verse play written in 1897. The story follows Cyrano, a brilliant poet and swordsman in the French Army, whose large nose prevents him from confessing his love to his cousin Roxane. When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, Cyrano agrees to help by secretly writing love letters in Christian's name. This romantic tale of unrequited love, deception, and self-sacrifice unfolds entirely in rhyming verse.
La Samaritaine, évangile en trois tableaux, en vers
"La Samaritaine, évangile en trois tableaux, en vers" by Edmond Rostand is a verse drama written in 1897. Inspired by an episode from the Gospel of John, this three-part work tells the story of Photine, a Samaritan woman, and her encounter with Jesus. Created specifically for the legendary Sarah Bernhardt, who performed the title role at the Théâtre de la Renaissance, the play became Rostand's first major success, appearing the same year as his famous "Cyrano de Bergerac."
Les Romanesques: comédie en trois actes en vers
"Les Romanesques: comédie en trois actes en vers" by Edmond Rostand is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around two young lovers, Sylvette and Percinet, who are caught in a situation defined by their feuding families, reminiscent of classical tales of star-crossed lovers. As their secret romance unfolds, themes of love, societal expectations, and the tension between familial duty and personal desire emerge. The opening of the play introduces us to Percinet and Sylvette, who engage in playful romantic banter across a dividing wall in their families' parks. While reading poetry together, they confess their love despite their fathers' hatred for each other. Percinet expresses a desire for their romance to unfold in a more adventurous, "romanesque" fashion, setting the tone for the play’s exploration of love's complexities. Sylvette shares her fears about their families' opposition, yet their affection remains strong, hinting at both the comedic and dramatic struggles they will face as they navigate the expectations placed upon them. As they dream of a more romantic narrative for their love story, they inadvertently set the stage for comedic misunderstandings and escapades to follow.
Un soir à Hernani, 26 février 1902
"Un soir à Hernani, 26 février 1902" by Edmond Rostand is a poetic tribute written in the early 20th century. This piece captures the essence of the Spanish village Hernani, intertwining themes of nostalgia, art, and the legacy of Victor Hugo, from whom Rostand draws inspiration. The work reflects on the intersection of personal memory and cultural history, evoking a sense of reverence for artistic creation. In "Un soir à Hernani," the narrator embarks on a journey to the village of Hernani, inspired by the illustrious namesakes tied to Victor Hugo's works. As he traverses the landscapes and encounters the local inhabitants, he becomes deeply moved by the name Hernani itself, filled with associations of glory and artistic triumph. The narrative juxtaposes the everyday life of the village with the grand ideals of literature, demonstrating how art, particularly Hugo's, immortalizes places in a way that transcends their physical presence. Rostand captures the magic of the moment as he reflects on the relationship between geography, memory, and the impact of literary heritage, blending a celebration of both the village and the indelible mark of the poet's legacy.
The Romancers: A Comedy in Three Acts
"The Romancers: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Edmond Rostand is a romantic comedy written in the late 19th century. Known for its poetic style and engaging plot, the play explores the themes of love and familial conflict, particularly through the lens of two young lovers whose fathers harbor a long-standing feud. This conflict serves as an obstacle in the blossoming romance of the protagonists, Sylvette and Percinet, who embody the romantic ideals reminiscent of Shakespearean characters. The storyline unfolds as Sylvette and Percinet fall in love despite their fathers' enmity and the barriers it creates. They initially meet secretly by an old wall dividing their families' properties, sharing poetic sentiments and dreams of overcoming their fathers' hatred. Unbeknownst to them, the fathers, Bergamin and Pasquinot, conspire to arrange their marriage while feigning animosity to allow their children to explore their feelings. The play features comedic twists, including a fake abduction meant to spark romance, leading to a series of misunderstandings. Ultimately, the families reconcile once the truth is revealed, affirming that true love can transcend even the strongest of feuds. As the tale concludes, the lovers discover that the essence of romance lies not in grand gestures or arranged plots, but in the sincerity of their feelings for each other.