In a lifetime heartbreak is an inevitable event. It does not only apply to male/female relationships, but with great friendships and relatives. There are innumerable causes and effects of heartbreak; however, the most prevalent cause is not having realistic perceptions of love.
It has been said many times that beginning with the end in mind will prevent trouble from occurring. Why do humans not apply this concept to relationships? Roxanne firmly believed that her relationship with Christian would go on forever. She was easily blinded, and put forth trust into the deceptive illusion of “forever”. The moment Christian fell to his untimely death, Roxanne’s heart was crushed. She never once understood the reality of her short lived love.
In psychology Christian’s infatuation would be called mistaken sensory perception. He originally fell for Roxanne’s semblance, not her soul. Roxanne was equally guilty of the crime. The first thing people notice about the opposite sex, is their appearance. Unfortunately this end with the two people being obsessed with physical facades. One would not normally pick out a book with an unappealing cover. This same idea goes with the unrealistic perceptions that love can portray.
Using the two examples of unrealistic perceptions, the belief in forever, and mistaken sensory perception, it is easy to infer that love under these circumstances would end in heartbreak. As humans the immediate reaction is to cry, or be angry with oneself. These emotions generally last a few weeks, or even months. In extreme cases, the heartbroken one continues to mourn and eventually gives up on love. All of the above are key effects. However, becoming isolated is the most relevant to the play, and real life circumstances as well.
Roxanne is the perfect example of a person suffering from a secluded lifestyle. She continues to mourn in a convent, even after fourteen years of Christian’s death. Roxanne gave up a chance for a potentially marvelous lifestyle to mourn her loss. She is disconnected from the world, and has no admirers, per se. The only way she is connected to anyone is through Cyrano when he comes to visit her. This desire to be alone spawns from loss of hope to find anyone else.
In conclusion, there are many causes for heartbreak, and many effects of it as well. The unrealistic perceptions of love, then the isolation after the initial heartbreak, are the most relevant causes and effects.