How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
FIRST CAVALIER
The play begins at two. Plenty of time—
And here’s the whole floor empty. Shall we try
Our exercise?
(They fence with the foils which they have brought.) (I.4-6)
Swordplay and dueling were common practices during 17th-century France. They were deemed a blatant show of courage from a man. So the fact that the two cavaliers bring their foils to a play and practice fighting beforehand shows their eagerness to develop a brave façade.
Quote #2
CHRISTIAN
Then she may be
One of those aesthetes… Intellectuals,
You call them—How can I talk to a woman
In that style? I have no wit. This fine manner
Of speaking and of writing nowadays—
Not for me! I am a soldier—and afraid. (I.77-82)
Speaking renders the courageous Christian afraid; he knows how highly speech is valued in society, and rightly fears becoming an object of ridicule if he does not meet the standards.