The central theme driving much of the play's narrative is the idea of honor. At the beginning of the play, Don Rodrigue challenges his prospective father-in-law to a duel to defend his father's honor. Before taking this drastic action, Rodrigue contemplates the role honor plays in his life. His father was humiliated with a slap and lacked the strength to confront Don Gomes. Rodrigue feels a strong sense of duty to engage Don Gomes in a duel. If his father is shamed, Rodrigue himself feels shamed. In the context of the play and its time period, honor was considered more important than love. A dishonored Rodrigue would be deemed unworthy of Chimene's affection.

Chimene is also deeply troubled by the concept of honor. She believes her father was disgraced by the duel in which Rodrigue killed Don Gomes. To reclaim her father's honor, and consequently her own, Chimene insists that Rodrigue, the man she loves, must face death.

Amidst the intense focus on honor and the actions taken to uphold it, it is significant that the only modern act of honor in the play occurs when Le Cid spares Don Sanche's life. In today's world, a slap might be embarrassing but wouldn't warrant a duel, which is illegal. A father could even face imprisonment for sending his son to kill someone over an insult. However, when Don Sanche agrees to defend Chimene's honor by challenging Le Cid to a duel, and Le Cid refrains from killing Don Sanche despite having the opportunity, a true sense of honor that aligns with contemporary values is displayed.

The play explores various expressions of love. To begin with, Rodrigue's devotion to his father is evident. He is willing to sacrifice his relationship with Chimene to avenge his father. Although Rodrigue's bond with his father is significant, it is not as intense as his love for Chimene. Despite this, Rodrigue is prepared to lose Chimene to defend his father's honor. He recognizes that he is left with no alternative. If he kills Chimene's father, his honor is restored, but Chimene will refuse to marry him. On the other hand, if he spares her father, his honor remains stained, and Chimene still won't marry him. Rodrigue faces Don Gomes to uphold both his father's and his own honor. Yet, his readiness to sacrifice his life is driven by his love for Chimene. Rodrigue feels caught in a difficult situation and would prefer death over living without her. Moreover, he would rather die at Chimene's hands than anyone else's, indicating that his love for her surpasses his desire to live.

Chimene also has a profound love for Rodrigue. However, despite her feelings, she would see Rodrigue dead to restore her father's honor. Her love for both her father and Rodrigue is interconnected, making it impossible for her to choose one over the other. These are distinct forms of love, but both are deeply rooted.

Infanta, too, holds a secret love known only to her lady-in-waiting. She is conflicted between her responsibilities as a noblewoman, which prioritize the kingdom's welfare and stability, and her feelings for Rodrigue. Admitting her love for Rodrigue would defy noble expectations, which require her to marry someone of royal descent. Consequently, she supports and encourages Chimene and Rodrigue's relationship. In doing so, Chimene becomes Infanta's alter ego, enabling Infanta to express her love for Rodrigue indirectly through Chimene.

Rodrigue embodies the spirit of chivalry. He exemplifies outstanding skill as both a soldier and a leader, defending his homeland and safeguarding his king. Furthermore, his interactions with Chimene highlight his chivalrous character. Rodrigue not...