The universe of Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discover the nature of the universe of Cyrano de Bergerac as perceived in his imaginative works, and, in particular, in his two novels known as L'Autre Monde, by common consent the major of his works. As preparatory work, as wide a knowledge as has been practicable has been acquired of late sixteenth-century French and Italian writings, and seventeenth-century French ones, treating of topics and questions akin to those to be seen in Cyrano's work; while set into this framework, the main enquiry is basically inductive in approach. In the Introduction, the aims of this study are outlined, and past critical approaches to Cyrano and to his work discussed. In Chapter II, an attempt is made to discern the constants in Cyrano's multifarious depictions of the physical universe. Chapters III, IV, and V consist in an elucidation of Cyrano's notion of man's place in the universe, and of what he considers to be sound social and political attitudes. Out of these findings arises the question of the nature of the freedom advocated by him; this is discussed in chapter VI. Recent studies have presented diametrically opposed interpretations of Cyrano's epistemology, thus necessitating further consideration of this aspect of his thought. Does he have a theory of knowledge? If so, why is there disparity in critics' appraisal of it? Cyrano's notion of, and attitude to the experience of knowing is explored in chapter VII. The final chapter considers the formal aspects of Cyrano's novels and letters, and the light that these throw on his attitudes and beliefs. The study demonstrates that all Cyrano's writings witness to the same set of moral values. In the Conclusion, these findings are set into the context of European thought from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment.