Why Erik?
From Meg:
Alright, I’ve given this a lot of thought. I am, as 99 percent of us are, completely and hopelessly in love with Erik. Mind you, this is the Erik I have read – not the Erik I truly ever knew. Who could? He’s been dead for over a century. I’m going to try to be completely fair for this answer, though, so forgive the Devil’s Advocate, if you will. First, I’ve read both sides of the “which should Christine have chosen” question… A lot of people for Raoul say of how he “tried so hard to free her” if you will, how he put up with everything they did, went after her, all that … stuff (trying to be nice). However, if you think about that, what really did he do? He loved her? He was honest and unhypocritical? I seem to recall a part in the play (I know there are more versions than just the play, but many know the plan best) where he tells her she doesn’t have to sing, they can’t make her, and then turns around and lays the whole damn thing on her shoulders. If she doesn’t sing, the Phantom might actually get away with everything, yadda yadda yadda… Then, he rushes to her rescue (yes, very heroic, if only he’d had the brains to go with it), and what’s the first thing he does? Even after dozens of warnings from different people, he forgets who he’s dealing with, and, within seconds of entering Erik’s lair… GETS HIMSELF CAPTURED! C’mon, is “keep your hand at the level of your eyes” really that hard to remember? If he hadn’t been so stupid, maybe the question wouldn’t have been posed in that way. I would even go so far as to say maybe it would have been easier for Christine to choose more fairly. After all, supposedly the only reason she agrees is because Raoul’s life is at stake (in the play and the book), but if that hadn’t been the factor… Maybe Erik could have had a better reason and chance to convince her. Another thing, although a few people have said that the looks weren’t a big part of what turned Christine from Erik, do you really think if they had looked the same, Christine would have run quite so fast to Raoul? Raoul was VERY handsome, and Erik, as it’s been rewritten a dozen times, was HIDEOUS. And until Christine found out how hideous he was, she didn’t seem to have quite such a problem with him. Like everyone else, she assumed that because he looked like a monster, he would also act like one. C’mon, she didn’t even have the decency to tell him she was leaving, she was simply going to disappear with Raoul. (Next time, check the dark corners before baring your Soul in Erik’s kingdom.) Also, alot of people bring up that she really loved Raoul and didn’t love Erik. That could be true, yes, but when did she say she didn’t love Erik? Raoul even asks her (in Leroux’s novel) what she feels for Erik. Whether or not she loves him… she answers something along the lines of “I don’t know… he repulses me but still I do not hate him.” Or something like that (I can’t remember the real quote.) Personally, I think part of the reason she went with Raoul wasn’t because she loved him, but because, as people have pointed out, she didn’t fear him. Erik was, to put it bluntly, scary. Alot of people tend to forget this, but he WAS a murderer, he WAS a blackmailer, and he WAS prone to psychotic rages. Do I think he would have hurt Christine? Do I think that he could not, with time, patience, and a little love, believe that he could not have changed? Of course not! You’d be amazed what love can do for a soul… any soul. Even his. But he WAS all those things as Christine knew him, and Raoul was a safe choice – an ordinary gentleman who was offering to take the painful decision off of her shoulders! Maybe she was a libra, and didn’t want to make the choice herself, I don’t know. But Raoul was making it easy for her – he was taking away all the pain and heartache, the very need to tell Erik yes or no, simply by taking command of the situation. She may not have loved him any more than she loved Erik, she may not even have loved Raoul at all, but he was safe, and at the time, that’s what she thought she needed. As for my own personal feelings, Erik did have more to offer her. Someone asked, what would Erik have besides love to offer her? As if love isn’t enough, but Erik had plenty. He had music to fill her soul and raise her up. If she had agreed to be with Erik, who’s to say he wouldn’t have laid all of Paris at her feet? He got her that far on stage, who’s to say how far he could have taken her? Erik was a genius in many things; he could have given her a house of her dreams, playthings beyond her imaginings, and a life of fantasy and love that could only have been imagined in our wildest dreams! He says in Leroux’s novel that he was sick of living down below, that all he wanted was a normal life, a normal wife that he could take for walks on Sundays, and all that… So who’s to say she would have been forced to live a life down below with a monster.. He would have given her a life wherever SHE damn well pleased, no matter the personal cost to him… yes, he was possessive, yes, he was so passionate about her that it could be called an obsession, but I believe he loved her – truly loved her – in a way that is so rare and beautiful that once the emotion touches you, it doesn’t let go. Should Christine have stayed with Erik? She would have had the world, if she had. More importantly, she would have had him… These are my own observations, though, and if anyone wants to debate, send me an email ([email protected]). Thanks. |
From Lesley-Ann:
If you look behind the mask, you can see much more. He makes me laugh 😉 And think about his love for Christine is deeper . I would stay with him. But she loved Raoul more and then she should be with Raoul.But if I was Christine The story end was ERik and Christine 😉 |
From Montserratt:
I also agree with you, if I were Christine I would choose Erik because he enthralls with the power of his music, his misticism and the romance of the whole novel, but I think that if Christine hadn´t choose Raoul the novel wouldn´t be so perfect!!!! |
From Danielle:
Of course I would have stayed with Erik! I personally think Christine a fool for leaving him, but then again, if you don’t love someone I suppose it is better that you not lie to yourself and the other person. But, if it were me I would have stayed. Erik can be so gentle and kind when he really cares for something or someone. |
From Heather Lynn:
Erik is virtualy flawless, accept of course for his physical appearance. Anybody that would be swayed from his side by the sight of his face is not worthy of him in the least. I do not however believe that Christine should have remained with Erik. She is less worthy to love him or be loved by him than I can imagine almost any other human beeing to be. She was cruel, immature, selfish, and a whole list of Shakespearian insults I’m not going to get into right now. Also, if Erik had won Christine there we would be, with no Phan Phic except perhaps for that written by Raoul lovers. Would any of you really want that? “I didn’t think so.” The only fault that I can find with my beautiful phantom is that he is just too perfect. He has ruined me for the men market. I will never find an Erik, and thus I will never be truly happy in love. |
From Xen:
Like any and every phan, I absolutely love, and adore Erik, and of course many would rather see Christine choose him over Roul. But truth be told, I even though I’ve thought about it now and then, I’ve never really made up my mind why I would choose Erik, or if I even really would. If I were Christine, and I was at that moment where I had to choose between them, I may end up not choosing either one! That’s kind of my type, the indecisive. Here are my reasons why I would choose Roul: I’d known him longer, and better, and he’s closer to my age (although love knows no age), and perhaps if I were in Christine’s place, I might be a little pressured and afraid to live with someone like Erik for the rest of my life, and so that would be an impulse for me to decide on Roul. Even if it were a wrong decision. Now the reasons I’d choose Erik: Brilliant. Downright, bloody brilliant! And of course his music is enough to melt ice cubes in a freezer! He doesn’t have really any experience with love, but this website explains, he’s passionate. It’s already there in a nutshell, he’s just got to find the tool to crack it open, and learn how to use it, like many of us need to do. I’m pretty sure at least 97% AT THE LEAST, of female fans love Erik to death, and the thought of having the chance to spend forever with him, would just make them dance off walls, and of course I probably would to, but truthfully, I don’t think I’d be good enough for a man such as Erik. He’s almost too perfect. Like they say, an Angel. And deserves some girl who’s smart, and beautiful, and can bring to him as much as he could bring to her. I’ll always choose Erik in whatever fantasy I have, no ifs, ands, buts, or whatevers, but if I had to choose in real life between some guy like Roul and some guy like Erik, I just don’t know if I’d be able to. And maybe I’m still a bit too young to be making that decision yet. |
From Jake G.:
He’s a brilliant architect!! He could make Christine a beautiful underground castle! |
From Rachel:
I would have also stayed with Erik, for the same reasons as above — passion, talent, adoration…. but there is always a very thin line between love and hate — Erik loved Christine SO much, she was the only woman he ever loved, pretty much to the point of obsession, so I can see how Christine may have been afraid of him suddenly losing his temper someday and giving Christine a taste of the punjab lasso– which is a plausible end to a passionate obsession. Personally, I would have taken the risk, but Christine seemed too fragile to be in an ongoing relationship with him. I love ERIK! |
From Jackie:
He has an undying love for Christine – there is nothing that he wouldn’t do for her. He is so consumed with his love for her that every breath he takes is for her – what else can a woman ask for? |
From Corey:
Why Erik? WHY NOT? He became Christine’s father-figure, mentor, friend. I must agree, the voice is sexy -grins-, but thats besides the point. Christine is really the reason Erik dies in Leroux’s version. She toys with both Erik and Raoul. If anything, Erik deserves every bit of affection (may I point out :”And in his eyes, all the sadness of the world/Those pleading eyes, which both threaten and adore”) I just have to ask: Which would you rather fall in love with: The childhood companion you barely remember, or the talented, tourtured soul who’s hepled you more than he helps himself? |
From Andrea:
I would have stayed with Erik, he is so talented and so passionate. Looks are not everything, just because someone is different doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a chance to be happy. All he wanted was someone to love him. Everyone deserves to have at least one person to love them. And his voice…he could seduce you with his voice alone…how many other people could seduce you just by singing to you…why would you not want to be with him. You would have to be a fool to leave Erik. Love ya Erik… |
From Vicky:
I have mulled over this question many times in my head and I keep coming to certain points, most of which bash Raoul but I won’t be too vicious here. For one, Erik has not had anyone truly love him in any way, and Raoul has undoubtedly been the crush of many young ladies in his time. Erik would appreciate you more in a relationship while Raoul could ditch you for any one of the women lining up at his doorstep. Secondly, Erik is the underdog and I just can’t resist! Thirdly, Erik is more mature than Raoul, and yes, Christine too. That often prompts moments of me cursing Christine under my breath for wining the affection of a nearly perfect man whom she obviously doesn’t deserve. There are so many more reasons, but I’m rambling now. I love your site, and I agree, Hugh Panaro is too beautiful a phantom, but that’s what makes him superb! I just saw him this Monday, and he was amazing as ever. Keep up the good work! |
From Adelaide:
Top Ten reasons to stay with Erik 10) He’s sexy and seductive 9) That voice!!! 8) He’s not foppish. 7) It was he that gave Christine everything she had…After her father’s death she was so devastated she lost her voice and her spirit. The angel of music made her alive again… he gave her her voice. 6) Erik DIES after Christine leaves in Leroux. Need I say more? Our lovely sexy Erik! 5) Erik is sexy. 4) Erik is passionate. 3) Erik would have done anything for Christine. One of the quotes that I remember from a phan phiction I read was “you promised me everything, Erik promised me just the things I want”. Aww… 2) Erik let Christine go because he wanted her to be happy. 1) The whole cloak, mask, and hat thing… marvellous. |
From Anonymous:
If you just asked me this question ‘off the bat’, I would have to answer Erik. But, if given careful consideration, there are several times when I would have to pick Raoul in which the physical differences between the two would play no part. Since the Raoul site is elsewhere, I’ll make my Erik points… Le Fantome de l’Opera- aka Original Erik (OE), I would’ve taken Raoul…yes, you have my permission to Punjab me! Our OE was not only disfigured, but insane and despite how many of us can attribute this to his horrific treatment in the past (and I say us because I once felt this way too), I really think that he had limited potential for rehabilitation (aka, when Christine could love him back and make him a happy human being). All in all, I would not want to be treated as Christine was treated by this guy and that is before the man locks my boyfriend in an oven. Yes, this man adored her more than Raoul did and yes, he would’ve done anything for her (including killing several people and providing designer wedding gowns) but he didn’t know how to properly express his adoration (you could use the excuse that he ‘didn’t know any better’) and I definitely feel that Christine ended up with the right man for her in this version. Original Christine was what I consider to be the worst of the Phantom heroines in terms of her fickleness and immaturity. Even if she had chosen Erik, she could not have made him happy because she did NOT love him. I don’t know about public opinion on this one, but after reading the english translation as well as the original in French, she pitied the fellow but that was all. In which case, I would expect our genius Erik to figure out that she didn’t reciprocate his love a few years down the line and that would make our beloved Erik unhappy too. Susan Kay’s Erik…Erik, Erik, and did I already say Erik?! In this version, he is nearly flawless, except for the morphine problem and his inconvenient housing location. Which, given the right circumstances, I would understand and attempt to tolerate. This guy is perfect, even with the face issue, and while I’m not the biggest fan of Christine, I’m glad that she comes back to him at the end. Raoul here is also a great guy and I wouldn’t mind having him, but between the two leading men, I’d have to take Erik! Actually, when you come to think of it, don’t you wish that you could order men like Susan Kay’s out of a catolog? Erik, Raoul, Nadir, Giovanni, Charles (junior and senior), and even Etienne (you already had one opportunity to Punjab me!) are all relatively nice guys in their own way. The husbands were faithful and loved their wives dearly, and Erik obviously adored Christine as did Charles junior and even Etienne cared about Madeline even if he was awful to little Erik. With the exception of the shah and Javert, I wouldn’t mind meeting any of the guys in her novel…but I’d still prefer Erik! Sir Andrew’s Musical- I’ll take Erik in this one too…he’s not nearly as good as the Susan Kay version, but he’s nowhere near as bad as the original (that phantom has really freaked me out if you can’t tell!). He loves Christine and expresses it, he’s got that dangerous edge to him too, but he’s not too far out there, and I could tolerate his episodes of bad temper. He truly does love Christine and is much better at expressing it than OE and I would definitely take him. So there are my three phantom selections of choice and Erik scores a 2 out of 3…not bad for a disfigured madman with a soprano fetish! Though honestly, I would’ve given Erik a 3 out of 3 if I hadn’t read the novel in French. English is my native language and so as I stumbled through the French version, I actually took more time to read into the expressions and that Erik really disturbed me. Yes, I felt sorry for him and I would’ve been willing to love him despite the face issue, but I could not bear to have him hanging on my every word for eternity. I would want my phantom to be protecting, yet dangerous; self-reliant, yet dependant on me for love and formidable, yet tender and loving…sadly Leroux’s fellow doesn’t make the cut. I would want a man to love me, not to be a ‘poor dog ready to die for me’. One last quick note to Phantom phans if the moderator will permit it…in my travels abroad, I studied a month in France and did visit Le Palais Garnier…it is better than any picture you can ever get. May I recommend purchasing tickets for a production should you ever have the opportunity to make the pilgrimage as they often have the auditorium closed for rehearsals and even when it is open, you don’t ever get to see it in its true glory until it is entirely illuminated. The ballet was wonderful there (despite the spider bite I managed to get during the performance!) and the cheap seats had a better view than several of the cheaper boxes. Just wanted to pass on the word to any who might have the chance to visit! |
From Shannon:
I read the defense of Raoul with an objective eye, and while I understand the viewpoints of those who defended him, I think Erik deserves a little consideration. One could mention all the cliche things about him–he’s a musical genius, an architect, an inventor and a passionate, intelligent, intriguing figure who is so much ahead of his time in so many ways–but that’s not why I feel that Christine should have stayed with him. I think his devotion to Christine was as much obsession as it was love; he found something to be fixated on and didn’t let go. To me, Christine was cold, shallow and manipulative (she kept using his love for her to try to get her own way). Erik needed someone as passionate and deep as himself. Yet, despite that obsession, the book relates that he loved her just as much as Raoul did. Though Raoul and Christine were childhood sweethearts, it was Erik who inadvertently helped Raoul to re-discover Christine. He wouldn’t have known she was in Paris if he hadn’t seen her performance at the opera–which was something that Erik’s tutelage helped to orchestrate. Though I thought Raoul to be something of a ninny in the book, his love for Christine was no doubt true and strong. Erik’s was no less strong though. He displayed it in a different way, but what appeals to me is that, while Raoul seemed to be a bit of a play boy, and could have any girl this side of the Seine, Erik’s love was singular inasmuch as it was centred completely on christine. That could be considered rather creepy, and it certainly might drive someone away, but Erik only had it in him to love one person. He wouldn’t have been unfaithful, and I believe that he would have done anything for Christine. He did, in fact, sacrifice his own feelings for hers in the end. I don’t condone the fact that he murdered people, but there were extenuating circumstances behind those acts. While he was passionate, I don’t think he knew how to be empathic until he met Christine. Also, he learned to kill when he was in Persia and when he was asked to build that torture chamber. I don’t think he entirely realized the nature of what he was doing. He was sort of like a non-cannibalistic version of Hannical Lecter: killing only those whom he thought to be crooked or distasteful. I don’t excuse his behaviour, and I especially don’t excuse the fact that he deliberately deceived Christine by pretending to be her angel of music, but I do take into account how society rejected and hated him and that he therefore felt it was perfectly understandable to give back a little of what he got. What those who were defending Raoul forget is that, due to the Phantom’s inventive nature, he and Christine wouldn’t have had to live beneath the opera house all their lives. He knew how to invent a mask which would make him look like a normal, average human being. (Perhaps he was the first plastic surgeon without realizing it). They could have lived normal lives, at least on the surface. I think their relationship was based too much on fear and power, but if they could have overcome those factors, I believe they could have been truly devoted to each other. I think their relationship would have been much more mature and passionate than any romance involving Raoul. Though I’m sure Raoul loved Christine deeply too, and tried to save her life, he seemed quite shallow. I think if he’d been in Erik’s place, he would have shown no compassion in the end. He got so jealous over her least little action that he was just as fixated as Erik. The Raoul in the musical is a little different. He seems deeply caring, but then again, so does The Phantom. I haven’t yet come to the main reason why I believe that Christine should have stayed with Erik, but here it is in a nutshell. She could have shown him the love and kindness that he’d never known before. While I realize that their relationship would have been rather skewed, I think that, given the chance, she could have helped him from his pathway of pain. Things would never have been normal between them, but she could have left a few of her own feelings by the wayside, as he tried to do, and given him true happiness for the rest of whatever life he had left. Mind you, I know that’s easier said than done, and I’m not sure I could do it, given the opportunity. But I feel that Erik was a man bereft of too many of the joys of life, and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I were in Christine’s place and decided not to help him just a little. |
From JoJo:
Erik is the obvious choice for SO many reasons! Most or all of which have already been said…but anyway, Erik has such passion and coviction in everything he does. Also, he was willing to let Raoul go simply because he knew Christine loved him. Would Raoul have let Erik go were the roles reversed? I don’t think so! Raoul is so hoplessly idiotic whereas Erik is a genius. And his VOICE!! Good Lord! *sighs deeply* How can you not love his voice? I’d like to hear Raoul make someone love HIS voice! (Actually maybe I wouldn’t…*shudder*) So, sorry for rambling but I think I’ve made my point. Oh and one final tought, ERIK IS SEXY! |
From Lucia:
Erik would have done anything for Christine. He killed for her, he would’ve died for her. If she was frightened she had only to ask Erik to stop killing people. He would’ve done anything for her. Tell me, if Christine didn’t sing so well, would Raoul love her so much? It was the hard hours of tutoring that Erik invested in her that made Raoul love Christine so much. Erik would’ve given everything he could Christine. Raoul, well, he’s rich and handsome. He probably just would want a wife to stay home and raise his heirs. Erik on the other hand… She can still dedicate herself to her career if she stayed with him. Erik needed her!!! He was alone. I love Erik so much I’m writing a sequel to PotO. I’m an amatuer writer and have written several of my own books and short stories, although I doubt I could ever match up to the beauty that is The Phantom! My story will be written as a musical, or at least I’m planning to. Song and all, but NO Christine/Phantom paring. She will be in it, but she is not going to end up with him. She is too weak a character to handle the phantom. |
From SnapeWho:
I would have chosen Eirk because he obviously cared about Christine, and I would have loved him for his mind, and he needs it more because he has never had love from anyone, not even his mother. (“The face that earned a mother’s fear and loathing”) Yes, I definitly would have chosen him over life with the pompous Opera brats in the management or anyone else! |
From Meaghan Edwards:
I would have definately stayed with Erik. He really just needed someone to love, and to be loved in return. I wouldn’t’ve cared what he looked like; he had a soul like no other, and unbelievable talent and intelligence. |
From Amanda Woomer:
All right I just read the Raoul’s Defence (I really don’t know why) and I noticed something. The only reason those people over there would go with Raoul was because he was HOT! Oh my God! How low could you get?! I mean only people who are not romantic, artistic, or have really gotten into POTO would go with Raoul. All right so what he was cute, BIG DEAL?! There are a lot of more important things in life. A mans heart and soul doesn’t lie on his face- DUH! OK so Erik killed a couple of people well love drives you to do crazy things! You have to look beyond the surface. Sure Raoul loved Christine I’ll give you that much but he also tried to keep her in a cage and he always pushed her to do things she didn’t want to do. OK so he followed Christine down to Erik’s lair ,what, do you think that Erik wouldn’t do that? Erik is such a passionate person and puts more love in things so sure Raoul loved Christine BUT never ever ever EVER as much as Erik would. Personally I would LOVE to stay with Erik. Because I would know that he would take care of me and love me like no one ever would and ever could. Who wouldn’t want to stay with a man who would love you more than life itself? If I had the choice to stay with Erik or go with Raoul in a heartbeat I would chose……..Erik- DUH!!!! |
From Claidi:
I would have stayed with Erik because he is such a passionate person. And he’s such a genuis in so many fields. He’s an arcitect, a stone mason, a magician, a singer, a lover, he’s well read, well mannered, a gentleman ( which is hard to find these days.), well spoken, kind, gentle, funny, intelligent, the list just keeps going that by the way was the shorter list. But I loved that he had such a terrible life and yet he still found the will to live…. to love. That’s what I loved about the Susan Kay novel because it showed how horrible his life was. I have nothing against Raoul (what a dumb name) but I just don’t feel that he could love her the way Erik could. I would have chosen Erik. I feel that only very romantic people who love the Phantom story would choose to stay with Erik |
From Beth:
Well first of all…after seeing POTO (alw musical) reading both the Gaston Leroux novel and Kay’s version…how could you NOT fall in love with Erik?? Everything he does in life he does with true passion. Yes, he has a bad temper, and he did kill people, but then…society was extremely cruel to him. I couldn’t imagine anyone going through that kind of life without harboring SOME resentment. And he never killed just for the pure pleasure of it. He has such a sweet sense of compassion inside of him; a true desire to heal and protect, despite what people see on the outside. And that voice! ah man…who wouldn’t want to be under that spell? (*sighs dreamily*) All-in-all, he’s sweet, caring and gentle with the people that matter to him, sexy (come on…y’all know its true ~_^) an AMAZING architect, magician, doctor, musician, and he has the sweetest voice anyone could possibly imagine. He has given up so much in his life…he deserves some happiness in return. As old and cliche as this sounds: it’s not what’s on the outside that matters, but what’s inside one’s heart that really counts. (and just to add on to what everyone else has said, I too was sobbing by the end of the AIAOY reprise) |
From Jess:
Erik is highly intelligent. He fools the managers for years! He’d have to be intelligent! And just the way he speaks! I love articulate men. Erik has the allure of mystery to him, which Raoul doesn’t. We are told everything about Raoul within the first chapter or two, Erik we have to guess at. Erik leaves more to the imagination |
From Viola:
No use to run away with Raoul, Christine, Phantom says: “As long as you live, my voice will follow you For me waits nothing but a dark,dead silent night!” Erik knows very well what to do, its no use to leave him, since you can’t really leave him. Everything I want to say is written below. (and above, of course!) |
From Amanda Woomer:
I would have stayed with Erik for two reasons. 1) In the Lloyd Webber musical at the end Erik says”Christine I love you…” (which got me close to tears) and Christine asks Raoul to say that he loved her but all he said was “You know I do” . So Raoul never stated that he loved Christine. 2) Raoul was willing to put Christine on stage as bait to get Erik. Having gendrearmes with guns pointed at the stage. He willingly placed Christine in harms way to catch his rival. Erik would do anything for Christine. In the original novel she said the “Erik would commit murder for me.” And the Fact that in the end he let them both go away because Erik knew that Christine would never be truly happy with him under the Opera House in the darkness. I would have loved to stay with Erik he is such a passionate and artistic man and I have grown to love him more and more with every book I read about The Phantom of the Opera. |
From Crystal:
I would’ve stayed with Erik because he had such a beautiful soul. He loved Christine so deeply that at the end after Christine kissed him he let her run off with Raoul. He loved her enough to let her be happy (so she said) and him be miserable for the rest of his days. I think that Erik is just the perfect guy, with that beautiful personality I wouldn’t have cared about his face. I am only 14 yaers old and when I first heard the soundtrack with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman I thought that Michael had the sexiest voice in the world. My friend told me that the Phantom was disfigured and she wouldn’t love him and that I shouldn’t think he’s sexy just because of his voice. Well I told her that I didn’t care whether he was disfigured, he had that personality that is just so magnetic. Christine was stupid not going with Erik. At the end I started bawling and that was only the sountrack. I think that Raoul’s so called love for Christine was just child’s play he wouldn’t have done all the things the Phantom had done for Christine. Heck, if it wasn’t for the Phantom giving Christine the gift of music, Raoul wouldn’t even have noticed her. He was a music genius , music is my world I don’t have that great of a voice so he could make it be extravagent. Life with the Phantom would be cool. I hope to find a guy out there like the Phantom with his personality. |
From Adrienne:
Erik is THE MAN!!!! At least he’s good at showing love. Erik is a poor man who has a RIGHT to be mad. EVERYONE IS SO CRITICAL OF HIM!! I would have chosen Erik. It’s not everyday you can choose someone unique. Guys like Raoul come and go like buses. Erik is a perfect catch. |
From Jizzy:
Everyone is just being shallow if they choose Raoul. Erik wouldn’t have murdered if Christine wouldn’t have pushed him to it. Love can lead you to strange things. Girls think he is hot because they aren’t obsessed with looks and acts of stupid rich men. Erik had nothing left. I would go mad too if everyone hated me. SOme girls can see that he just a poor man who wants to be loved. He’s not perfect but nobody is…ha. People these days are heartless. SO, sure Christine, choose the boring life. Erik wanted Christine to be all she could be, and as far as Raoul went, just have babies and I’ll be alright. There’s more to life. There’s more to LOVE then looks. Plus, Erik’s got a great voice. So if Christine doesn’t want him, I’m SURE some woman would. Someone who’s not Raoul crazy! OH POOR RAOUL!! NOTT!!!!!!! |
From Christine daae h8r:
I’m only 13 and all my mates at school think I’m mad but anyway. I’m glad christine didnt go with phantom because it wouldn’t have been a good ending (duh) and gives us ladies chance to dream of that loney gentleman. I love him so much that I wrote this poem (I am mad): A broken man because of his face, He wears a mask, so he is a disgrace, But do not judge on what you see, Inside his soul lies true beauty. I haven’t read the novels or seen the film or at the theatre (sob) but I know the story and heard the songs and they are hauntingly, mysteriously beautiful. Espeacialy “music of the night” when I first heard that I fell in love with him. To make ME marry him all he would have to do was sing, he helped me make the music of the night. |
From Christine F.:
Well, first off, i LOVE Erik, the phantom of the opera, our beloved opera ghost and angel of music… this christine would have stayed with her maestro! he’s witty, charming, sensual, passionate, a genius in many fields, funny, well mannered, intelligent, artistic, has a beautiful and genuine soul, graceful, sophisticated, worldly, soft-spoken, well-spoken, well-read…need i go on? yes, he is wonderful and wicked at the same time, night and day, black and white. he is the darkness and christine is the light. there is nothing more perfect and balanced in their relationship. i only hope in time, i will find my equivalent Erik for i know a man like this would be the love of my life! |
From Viola:
I’ve seen it recently and I like it very much. I just feel so sorry for him, since he cared for her so much, planning everything and than his new life was also ruined. And he is so happy when Christine returns for a moment to give him the ring. And his face (at least the hungarian phantom) looks so sad, looking at the ring. This shows that he really loved her, and would have done everything for Christine. His face: he has the mask, and I think it’s not horrible at all. I’m not against Raoul, but I just can’t understand that she refused and left him alone. She could have done something for something in return for his teaching. Nothing new at all but I needed to writ this |
From Katie:
I just saw Phantom of the Opera. Honestly not too big on the musical because of its portrayal of Erik, but I LOVE the books. Phantom by Susan Kay is an absolute all-time favorite of mine. Anyway, Erik makes Christine into a better person. Before he came into her life she was timid, and lonely, and never had the strength. Erik took her under his wing, made her into a star. Raoul didn’t care about Christine’s career. Erik did. How much can you bet that if she married Raoul, she would have ended up dropping out to raise the kids? Also… yes, I too am in love with Erik. I want to name my kid that, actually. I love his passion, and frankly I think physically he’d be pretty pleasing, minus the face thing. Tall, thin, very powerful… and a sexy voice too. But I digress. I guess you have to be a romantic to appreciate Erik’s devotion to Christine. I kind of compare it to The Great Gatsby, where some people find that devotion creepy, some of us can actually NOT be cynical and say “Oh my God, that’s so gorgeous…” And I honestly don’t think Raoul cared too much about Christine as a person. He always kind of forced her into decisions. Both Raoul and Christine wanted to remain back in that time when they were kids, playing together and having a good time. Erik tried to mature Christine, and she was too afraid… so she shrank away, running back to said childhood friend and resuming said immature, fun relationship. And as I always say… if it weren’t for Erik, Raoul wouldn’t have even NOTICED Christine. I mean, he’s the one who got her singing the lead roles so Raoul could be like “Heey, she’s no longer an awkward kid! Good for her!” Bah. |
From Miss. Emma Lee:
Why do I think that christine should have stayed with Erik…there are many reasons I suppose, mostly it’s because I just don’t like Raoul very much…but I digress. Erik is such an artistic genuis, to be able to create a thing like the torture chambe in the novel and to able to write an entire opera. The man is a smart, smart intellectual…I can’t describe his genuis. But he IS also humourous as has been said before (Whch pretty much everything I’m saying will be voiced previously) He is also so loving to Christine, he would do anything for her. He taught her to sing with the voice of an angel. Heck, I would fall madly in love with the man for just being there in my dressing room if I was lonely. He was her friend when no one else probably cared. I love The Phantom’s voice (The ending song and The All I ask of you Reprise always make me cry, no matter how many times I’ve heard them) and I love how he is such a romantic. oh yes dear friends, Christine should have most definetly have chosen Erik instead of that nerdy Raoul. |
From Auri:
I love Erik. I only saw ALW’s POTO three weeks ago and now I am totally obsessed with Erik, because he’s incredibly romantic (which has been said a billion times), because he would very gladly (and in fact did) die for Christine, and because he is so different from the average guy. Raoul is… well… an immature little dork who has a crush on an extremely talented young woman. Erik is a brilliant man (not “immature boy,”; MAN) who is desperately, madly in love. There’s a big difference there. And it wasn’t only his brilliance or how tragic he was – I love his sense of humor. It’s so dry and witty. I bet if Raoul tried to crack a joke it would be something corny that everyone had heard a hundred times before. Let’s face it, people: Erik is simply the best. |
From TheRealChristineDaae:
I am sort of adding on to everything that’s been said already. Erik was a musical genius. To think how AMAZING it is that he taught himself SO many things, as no one else would teach him, and he was shunned by society, and called a monster, but when he plays music, you just…forget about it all. I mean, in the POTO (not ALW’s), Raoul isn’t musically inclined at all, I mean, give me a break! He can’t sing to save his life! Should Christine really be going with someone who, yeah, he APPRECIATE’S music, but not the same was as Erik or Christine? It’s like, Raoul’s a fop. Everyone knows it. Even Raoul *gasp* fangirls know it. And he’s a bit of an idiot. (To put it mildly) And Christine only knew him ’cause he went to rescue some stupid moldy rag that went in the ocean. Biiig Whoop. If Christine and Erik knew each other when they were children, and her scarf fell in the ocean, he probably would have cheered her up by singing to her. I quote (if you know what this is, I’ll give you an autographed score of Don Juan Triumphant from Erik…even though i don’t even have one. 🙁 ) The song is over, but the melody still lingers on. Something like that is unforgettable. A scarf is easily replacable. I think we all fall in love with Erik at one point or another. Think of it (sorry, couldn’t help it), a tortured soul, living under the Paris Opera, loving without being loved, wanting without being wanted, heartbroken, and all alooone! (I think I’m gonna cry) How utterly romantic! Doesn’t it just make you want to go back in time, and throw your arms around him, and hold him? I know I do. Enough with my ranting and raving. 🙂 But did I mention I love Erik? And (sorry to rant on some more) didn’t you just want to cry your eyes out when he sang the AIAOY reprise? ( I actually did. Cry my eyes out, I mean)I actually have the recorded version w/ Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, and Steve Barton, but…it’s so heartwrenching! You feel like someone is clawing out your heart, and…the way he sobs that last bit at the end…Christine…Christine…*starts sobbing* |
From Louise:
I would have stayed with Erik because on watching the show, I fell in love with him. he had this terrible deformity and yet he had not yet given up on life. he was far more endearing than Raoul and he was spellbinding. music is the most amazing part of any life and Erik was a genius in the field. a man who could mesmerise me with words and songs, i would be in love. the fact that he seems on the surface to be so harsh and cruel, yet with a deeper inspection he is vunreble and scared. this fear in a man so outwardly harsh makes me (and i hope, most women) want to show this man love and protection. his lack of physical beauty has been overshadowed by his overwhelming affection for Christine. his music would have enchanted me, like Christine, and i would have felt no desire to break the spell for Raoul, for i would want to make him happy in a world where no one else would. Erik is so passionate about music and Christine and this would be enough to prove his love for me. the fact that he had done all those bad things could be justifed by the purely evil way the world had treated him. and while the world maybe a place of harsh realities and cruel people, these can all be forgotten when with a partner you love. |
From Elizabeth:
Erik was the most incredible man of his time. He was a genius, obviously, but he was also so much more. I am talking about the LeRoux Erik, the anguish depicted in the muisical, which I have seen in West End London, Amazing!!! came not even compare to the power that can be felt by reading into LeRoux’s novel. The man was literally robbed of life, forced down to the depths of the Opera house because of a superstisous and unforgiving world. Call him a murderer, or insane, or anything you want he was still a man of character. Almost anything can be justified, and I can square, with people who have an open mind about the following comment, the fact that he was a murderer. Dogs and cougars and all beasts of prey are not condemmed as murderers, and yet this man was. Of course, you say, because he was human, and knew the difference between right and wrong. No, the difference between right and wrong must be taught. He might have known it was wrong to kill people, but the empathy and human emotions behind murder were never inflicted on him. There must be some consequence which people feel, otherwise murders would be an even more common place thing. To be a part of the human race one must believe themselves to be a part. To believe themselves to be a part of the human race one must have others believe it also. Erik, while being human, was certainly not accepted into the human race. He could not believe himself to belong and therefore could never belong. And that fact in itself, along with his cynical and dangerous humour, makes him one of the most interesting and intriguing men who have ever lived. |
From Guinevere:
Oh this question seems so easy and yet like Erik it is infinitely complicated. I first fell for Erik in 1990 watching the tv mini-series with Charles Dance. I think it’s only fair to say that I was an unusual sixth grader, falling for a man who seemed to have stepped out of my imagination. Though Dance’s Phantom lacked Erik’s ruthless and confident manner, I adored him. I first saw the eyes behind the mask. After that I searched for anything, Phantom related. I found Susan Kay’s Phantom and I fell in love all over again. Erik had been my dark fantasy brought to life on the page. Malevolent and powerful, yet tender and fiercely devoted. Let’s face it, Erik is the ultimate ‘bad boy.’ The voice of an angel, a body that moves like a cat’s, the fact that he’s a driven genius, and then there those eyes. I can’t help myself thinking of those twinkling embers glowing from beneath the mask. Flowing cape walking towards in is slow majesty… What woman wouldn’t fall for him? As for Raoul, I must admit that I normally look on him with a certain amount of disdain. Young, handsome, and rich he could have had any girl and some stories indicate that he did, at least in his early years. I thought it very selfish of him to take the one woman Erik had ever loved, when he was given the opportunity to love many. I’m afraid, I am only inclined to like him towards the end of Kay’s version after both Christine and Erik are dead. |
From LaVictoireAilee:
I love Erik very, very much. My first real crush, you could say. (In fact, there’s a guy in my drama class whom I really like whom I cast as Erik, and he played it so well I almost swooned into his arms. Good thing. I was playing Christine.) Oddly enough, I find Erik’s fragility endearing. I have seen the show twice so far, both times with Brad Little as Erik, and I knew the first time I loved Erik because of the two scenes in which he is at his most heartbreaking and his most terrifying: the All I Ask of You Reprise, and The Final Labyrinth scene. Especially the final scene. Call me crazy, but seeing him there clasping her veil, his voice a pitiful whisper, his twisted face contorted with sorrow, and that rather distinct hair (or lack thereof) in wild disarray… I felt my heart breaking for him. It was almost like watching a frightened child. You just want to go and tell him, “Shh, it’s alright. I’m here. Everything’s going to be okay,” even though you know it isn’t. Erik deserved love and forgiveness. The worst part was that my second Christine, Lisa Vroman, actually played the final scene with Christine wanting to stay with Erik. The moment Raoul was out of that noose, she made sure her childhood friend was alright, but then she went back to Erik. Erik pushed her away. Tears were actually rolling down her cheeks. She was looking at Erik as she sang the final AIAOY reprise. In short, he needs love to survive. Without it, Erik is crushed. |
From RF:
How about this: With Raoul, Christine will lead a normal life in some suburb, have children, and at the end die of old age… does SHE deserve such a boring life? Then again, living with Erik… i dont know where… but surely somewhere interesting! Sing with him, compose with him… living with a person who is absolutely perfect in his personality… |
From Sly:
And you missed one more reason, what he really is… He’s Romantic… a true one. Being romantic is almost a dedication to suffrance… so in a sense, it’s normal what happened to him… it’s a play! 🙂 |
From Anonymous:
He taught Christine how to use her voice, which gave her a job. Raoul gave her a scarf. That line, “Wildly my MIND beats against you, yet my SOUL obeys…” Soul. Yep. As in love? Raoul and Christine had crushes on each other when they were, what, sixteen? Who gets married to someone they had a crush on when they were SIXTEEN for heaven’s sake? Erik was willing to die or kill anyone if Christine wanted it. Raoul was willing to kill Erik out of jealousy or spite. And come on, if Christine had stayed, Raoul would have cried, moped for a while and gotten over it. Erik, on the other hand, died once she left him. Need I say more? |
From Kaleigh:
I know I would have stayed with Erik. He is everything any other man I’ve met IS NOT. He is talented. Men I know can’t even right a haiku without including something dirty. And I do have the same opinion of people that he does. I’ve learned since the cradle to never judge by looks, so Erik is my ideal man. Plus, living in the with a guy that sings beautifully. Whiney pretty boys just aren’t my shnizzle. |
From Eponine:
The main reason why I would’ve stayed with Erik is cause I feel soooo sorry for him. Raoul could have any woman he wanted, but not Erik. Erik was a genuis. If given the chance, he would’ve probably been really nice and caring. He did what everone taught him to do…kill. If I was Christine, I would’ve tried to show him that not everyone is mean. Every time I read THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA I cry at the end,’Erik is dead.’ That kills me! But you see, Erik knows true love, inward love. Raoul only cares about looks. How could Christine leave Erik? I don’t understand that. |