Meaning: The quote "A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man" is from the play "Cyrano de Bergerac" written by Edmond Rostand. The play, first performed in 1897, is a classic of French literature and theater. The quote is spoken by the play's protagonist, Cyrano de Bergerac, a swashbuckling poet and soldier known for his large nose and quick wit. The play is set in 17th century France and follows Cyrano's unrequited love for the beautiful Roxane, his friendship with the handsome but dull-witted Christian, and the challenges they face in expressing their feelings for Roxane.

The quote itself reflects Cyrano's self-assured and humorous nature, as he playfully embraces and defends his physical feature. In the play, Cyrano uses his wit and eloquence to compensate for his insecurities about his appearance, and the quote serves as a reflection of his character's resilience and charm. It is a testament to the idea that physical attributes do not define a person's character, and that true virtues such as wit, courtesy, affability, generosity, and liberalism are what truly matter.

Cyrano's assertion about the correlation between a large nose and positive character traits is both humorous and thought-provoking. It challenges societal norms and beauty standards by suggesting that physical imperfections can be indicators of inner virtues. This idea resonates with the play's themes of inner beauty, self-acceptance, and the power of words and wit to transcend physical limitations.

The character of Cyrano himself embodies many of the traits he mentions in the quote. He is renowned for his quick wit, eloquence, and sharp tongue, which he uses both to entertain and to defend his honor. Despite his bravado, Cyrano is also portrayed as a deeply empathetic and generous man, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of his friends. His liberal and open-minded nature is evident in his disdain for societal conventions and his willingness to challenge authority and hypocrisy.

The quote has endured as a memorable and often-quoted line from the play, capturing the essence of Cyrano's character and the themes of the story. It has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a humorous self-deprecating remark and others as a profound commentary on the nature of true virtue. Regardless of interpretation, the quote serves as a reminder that true character is not determined by outward appearances, but by one's actions, words, and values.

In conclusion, the quote "A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man" from "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a reflection of the play's themes of inner beauty, self-acceptance, and the power of wit and virtue to transcend physical limitations. It encapsulates the character of Cyrano and challenges societal norms by suggesting that physical imperfections can be indicators of inner virtues. The enduring popularity of the quote speaks to its resonance with audiences and its ability to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of true character.