Final answer:
Montfleury in Act I of Cyrano de Bergerac epitomizes the fleeting nature of fame, with his temporary acclaim swiftly undermined, demonstrating the fickle nature of popularity and reinforcing the theme of impermanence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act I of Cyrano de Bergerac, the character that best illustrates the fleeting nature of fame is Montfleury. Montfleury is an actor who, despite his limited talent, briefly enjoys the spotlight and applause of the audience. However, his fame is shallow and ephemeral as Cyrano de Bergerac himself quickly undermines Montfleury's stature, exposing the transitory nature of his acclaim and the public's adulation.
The text excerpts provided emphasize how fame and outer beauty are transient and how deeper, spiritual qualities endure. These themes reinforce the idea that Montfleury's fame is not based on true merit, and therefore cannot last. The character's fleeting popularity serves as a caution against measuring one's worth by the fickle standards of fame.
Moreover, the excerpts highlight the contrast between superficial recognition and lasting legacy, as with the stories of Arjuna's hollow heroic reputation and Aylmer's obsession with perfection in the character of Georgiana, which only serves to exacerbate her imperfections. These narratives echo the superficiality of Montfleury's fame in the play, making it a perfect representation of the theme of vanity and impermanence.