Poem Analysis - Cyrano De Bergerac

A Quiet Longing Unmasked

Patrick Kavanagh's "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a deceptively simple poem about unrequited love and the humorous self-deception we employ to cope with it. The poem begins with a hopeful yet awkward encounter, shifts to a period of elaborate planning, and concludes with a poignant and ironic realization. The overall tone moves from tentative optimism to wry acceptance, underscored by a subtle undercurrent of self-mockery.

Ireland’s Rural Roots and Social Convention

While the poem doesn't explicitly engage with Ireland's historical context, Kavanagh's background as a poet of rural Ireland is relevant. His poems often deal with the everyday lives of ordinary people, and this poem continues that tradition, focusing on the subtle dance of attraction and social convention. Kavanagh knew and understood the constraints and unspoken rules that governed interpersonal relationships in such communities, and that is present in this poem.

The Pain of Unrequited Love and The Masks We Wear

One of the central themes of the poem is the pain of unrequited love. The speaker is clearly smitten with the woman, interpreting her actions (kicking a pebble, tapping a railing) as potential signs of reciprocation. However, the poem also explores the theme of social convention and how it can stifle genuine connection. The speaker feels compelled to devise "a ruse to soothe convention," highlighting the societal pressure to approach romance indirectly. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of self-deception. The speaker attempts to mask his longing behind a "priestly face" and even seeks to offer love advice, a role completely incongruous with his true feelings. This internal conflict underscores the poem's central irony.

Priestly Face and Lecherous Grin: Symbolism of Inner Turmoil

The poem features several symbolic images that contribute to its meaning. The most potent is the contrast between the speaker's "loving priestly face" and the "lecher" reflected in the mirror. The "priestly face" symbolizes the persona he presents to the world – a figure of virtue and detachment, perhaps even someone perceived as asexual. The "lecher," on the other hand, represents his repressed desires and the truth he hides from both the woman and himself. The grin of the lecher represents the suppressed, carnal desires that are in direct conflict with the image he tries to project. The mirror itself acts as a symbol of self-reflection and forced honesty.

Irony's Bitter-Sweet Sting

In conclusion, "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, social constraints, and self-deception. The poem masterfully uses irony to highlight the gap between the speaker's outward appearance and his inner turmoil. The final image of the lecher grinning before resuming his priestly dignity leaves the reader with a bittersweet understanding of the human condition and the lengths we go to in order to protect ourselves, even from our own desires. The poem reminds us that the masks we wear can sometimes become prisons, preventing us from experiencing authentic connection.