Chantecler Play in Four Acts By: Edmond Rostand (1868-1918)
Chantecler Play in Four Acts by Edmond Rostand is a creative and imaginative piece of literature that takes readers on a whimsical journey into the world of animals. Set in a farmyard, the play revolves around the titular character, Chantecler, a proud and self-assured rooster who believes in his own ability to control the rising of the sun. Rostand's exceptional storytelling skills are showcased throughout the play, as he expertly weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the search for meaning in life. The author's command over language is evident in the lively dialogues and poetic verses that capture the essence of each character. Chantecler emerges as a dynamic and captivating protagonist, as his unwavering belief in his own importance is tested by the other animals around him. The playwright masterfully explores the delicate balance between self-assuredness and vulnerability, and invites readers to examine the consequences of our own personal delusions. Despite the play's humorous and often light-hearted tone, Rostand incorporates complex philosophical and existential undertones. Through the animal characters, he offers insightful commentary on human nature and the pitfalls of both blind faith and cynicism. The richness of the play's setting also deserves praise, as it successfully transports readers into the enchanting world of the barnyard. Each animal is vividly portrayed, with distinct personalities and quirks that add depth to the narrative. From polyglot pheasants to scheming foxes, the diverse cast of characters ensures that there is never a dull moment. Perhaps the only criticism one can muster for Chantecler Play in Four Acts is its occasional overindulgence in symbolism and metaphor. While these elements contribute to the play's literary merit, at times they can feel overwhelming and convoluted. Overall, Chantecler Play in Four Acts by Edmond Rostand is a delightful and thought-provoking piece that showcases the author's brilliance and creativity. Its timeless themes, engaging characters, and artistic brilliance make it a must-read for lovers of literature and theater alike. Rostand's ability to seamlessly blend humor, philosophy, and human emotions creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after the final act. First Page: CHANTECLER Play in Four Acts By EDMOND ROSTAND Translated By GERTRUDE HALL 1910 DRAMATIS PERSONAE CHANTECLER PATOU THE BLACKBIRD THE PEACOCK THE NIGHTINGALE THE GRAND DUKE THE SCREECH OWL LITTLE SCOPS THE GAME COCK THE HUNTING DOG A CARRIER PIGEON THE WOOD PECKER THE TURKEY THE DUCK THE YOUNG GUINEA COCK THE PHEASANT HEN THE GUINEA HEN THE OLD HEN THE WHITE HEN THE GREY HEN THE BLACK HEN THE SPECKLED HEN THE TUFTED HEN A Gander. A Capon. Chickens. Chicks. A Cockerel. A Swan. A Cuckoo. Night birds. Fancy Cocks. Toads. A Turkey hen. A Goose. A Garden Warbler. A Woodland Warbler. A Spider. A Heron. A Pigeon. A Guinea pig. Barnyard animals. Woodland Creatures. Rabbits. Birds. Bees. Cicadas. Voices. PROLOGUE The customary three knocks are heard. The drop curtain wavers and is rising, when a voice rings out, "Not yet!" and the MANAGER, a gentleman of important mien in evening dress, springing from his proscenium box, hurries toward the stage, repeating, "Not yet!" The curtain is again lowered. The MANAGER turns toward the audience, and resting one hand on the prompter's box, addresses them: The curtain is a wall, a flying wall. Assured that presently the wall will fly why haste? Is it not charming to delay and just look at it for a while? Charming to sit before a great red wall, hanging beneath two gilt masks and a scroll The thrilling moment is when the curtain thrills, and sounds come from the other side... Continue reading book >>

Chantecler Play in Four Acts By: Edmond Rostand (1868-1918)

Chantecler Play in Four Acts by Edmond Rostand is a creative and imaginative piece of literature that takes readers on a whimsical journey into the world of animals. Set in a farmyard, the play revolves around the titular character, Chantecler, a proud and self-assured rooster who believes in his own ability to control the rising of the sun.

Rostand's exceptional storytelling skills are showcased throughout the play, as he expertly weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the search for meaning in life. The author's command over language is evident in the lively dialogues and poetic verses that capture the essence of each character.

Chantecler emerges as a dynamic and captivating protagonist, as his unwavering belief in his own importance is tested by the other animals around him. The playwright masterfully explores the delicate balance between self-assuredness and vulnerability, and invites readers to examine the consequences of our own personal delusions.

Despite the play's humorous and often light-hearted tone, Rostand incorporates complex philosophical and existential undertones. Through the animal characters, he offers insightful commentary on human nature and the pitfalls of both blind faith and cynicism.

The richness of the play's setting also deserves praise, as it successfully transports readers into the enchanting world of the barnyard. Each animal is vividly portrayed, with distinct personalities and quirks that add depth to the narrative. From polyglot pheasants to scheming foxes, the diverse cast of characters ensures that there is never a dull moment.

Perhaps the only criticism one can muster for Chantecler Play in Four Acts is its occasional overindulgence in symbolism and metaphor. While these elements contribute to the play's literary merit, at times they can feel overwhelming and convoluted.

Overall, Chantecler Play in Four Acts by Edmond Rostand is a delightful and thought-provoking piece that showcases the author's brilliance and creativity. Its timeless themes, engaging characters, and artistic brilliance make it a must-read for lovers of literature and theater alike. Rostand's ability to seamlessly blend humor, philosophy, and human emotions creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after the final act.

First Page:

CHANTECLER

Play in Four Acts By EDMOND ROSTAND

Translated By GERTRUDE HALL

1910

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

CHANTECLER PATOU THE BLACKBIRD THE PEACOCK THE NIGHTINGALE THE GRAND DUKE THE SCREECH OWL LITTLE SCOPS THE GAME COCK THE HUNTING DOG A CARRIER PIGEON THE WOOD PECKER THE TURKEY THE DUCK THE YOUNG GUINEA COCK THE PHEASANT HEN THE GUINEA HEN THE OLD HEN THE WHITE HEN THE GREY HEN THE BLACK HEN THE SPECKLED HEN THE TUFTED HEN

A Gander. A Capon. Chickens. Chicks. A Cockerel. A Swan. A Cuckoo. Night birds. Fancy Cocks. Toads. A Turkey hen. A Goose. A Garden Warbler. A Woodland Warbler. A Spider. A Heron. A Pigeon. A Guinea pig. Barnyard animals. Woodland Creatures. Rabbits. Birds. Bees. Cicadas. Voices.

PROLOGUE

The customary three knocks are heard. The drop curtain wavers and is rising, when a voice rings out, "Not yet!" and the MANAGER, a gentleman of important mien in evening dress, springing from his proscenium box, hurries toward the stage, repeating, "Not yet!"

The curtain is again lowered. The MANAGER turns toward the audience, and resting one hand on the prompter's box, addresses them:

The curtain is a wall, a flying wall. Assured that presently the wall will fly why haste? Is it not charming to delay and just look at it for a while?

Charming to sit before a great red wall, hanging beneath two gilt masks and a scroll The thrilling moment is when the curtain thrills, and sounds come from the other side... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Chantecler Play in Four Acts

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