Why Erik?
From Missy:
I am totally in love with Erik. He’s so passionate, it hurts me every time I see the show, read the novel, or see the movie, especially when he sees Christine and Raol together. I can’t even imagine the pain. I think that she chooses Raoul because she is afraid of what would happen to her with Erik..would she be doomed to the cellar with him, would she be killed or associated with his crimes? Selfish reasons in the end, but I do think that she has second thoughts when she kisses Erik… she is in love with the phantom, but when he lets her go, she feels that he wants her to and so she relents and goes with Raoul… yes, she chooses to save her “lover”, but she also chooses to stay with the phantom. He is who tells her to leave in the end, and she obeys him. Neither would be happy if she stayed because Erik realized his mistake too late in forcing her to choose. |
From Marissa:
I feel that Erik would be a better man for christine… b/c he is a beautiful soul, who only kills because he doesn’t know any better, and he wants christine for his own. he is a passionate and beautiful man and if Christine doesn’t want him I’ll gladly take him off her hands… |
From Fay:
If we are talking about the Phantom as portrayed by Gerard Butler in the musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, then I would have stayed with the Phantom. I really felt sorry for him. I cried when he cried. If we are talking about the Phantom as described in Gaston Leroux’s book, then it would be pretty hard to choose Erik from his horric looks. We all look at this from the outside, which is good, but if we could see and feel what Christine actually felt, when it came to the Erik in Leroux’s book, then I can see why she chose Raoul. She was actually afraid of Erik. It’s hard to sympathize with someone who looks like a “living corpse”, unless you calm down and try to talk to them and understand them. I felt for Erik at the end. I am a sucker for a sob story, anyway. Maybe I’m not really taking a complete stand, but it does depend on which the version of the story we are referring. Susan Kay’s version, I have not read, but I am sure her Phantom is not as horrific as the original. Then I would say, yes, Christine should have stayed with Erik. Am I fickle-minded? I love these characters! |
From Basket Eyes:
Sorry, Raoul lovers, but Raoul as good as calls Christine a whore in chapter 9 of the Leroux novel! Yeah, nice thing to call your so called true love!! “To think that I would have given my name and title to an opera wench!” Raoul screams at her, crying (again?! god, can he be any more pathetic?) Raoul is a sad, sad, human being. And please, people, STOP DISSING CHRISTINE!!!!!!!!!! Christine is by NO MEANS a horrible person! Just because she has her own mind and isn’t some Mary-Sue like the so-called original characters of fandom, that gives you no right to be so awful to a perfectly nice character. Don’t think Christine didn’t appreciate what Erik did for her. Even though she went with Raoul, I doubt she’ll ever forget Erik. And yes, I do believe one day she’ll regret her choice. Erik, even in his deepest rages, always loved her. Did Raoul love her, when he called her an ‘opera wench’? Methinks not…. |
From Kagome Higurashi:
This first is in defense of the Leroux’s Erik: I quote the novel: “He had a heart that could have held the world, and in the end, he had to be content with a cellar.” |
From Mystesia:
Cecause he was a lonely person and all he wanted was for someone to love him because no one ever did, not even his mother. |
From Brynn:
Wow, Erik was the obvious choice! He had spent all his years just waiting for Christine to love him, and when it finally happened, stupid Raoul had to get in the way. Christine was the first person Erik ever loved in his life, and he cared for her so much! Christine should have appreciated his compassion for her more than she did in the end. She broke his heart, and I think that was really awful of her to do that to someone who loved her so much. |
From Oliver:
Well, I would have chosen him, becuase beauty is from within, not on the outside. Sure his face may put a few people off, but he is so beautiful, because of his love for music, and also Christine. In the last scene, it makes me cry when he painfully sings “Christine I love you… You alone can make my song take flight, it’s over now, the music of the night.” Without Christine, there is no point in him living, and let’s face it, he’s the hero of the whole show. |
From Belinda:
I absolutely adore Erik! I have read Susan Kay’s book about a million times (I’ve been fined just as many times as the book is always overdue). I really think Christine is a really stupid cow! Erik is sensitive, romantic, passionate and everything else that goes with it. His main magnetism is that little bit of danger. I swear, If I were that dumb cow, I would SO stay with the phantom and make his life the happiest it could ever have been. For those of you who haven’t seen the 2004 movie musical, I strongly recommend it. Not only is the phantom everything I have stated above, hes really HOT too, I know the whole story is supposed to be based on his hideossness, but watch the movie and you’ll understand. My favorite part is definately Down Once More(final lair scene). I love when Christine kisses him! It is so touching! In the movie version, I really like the phantom (Gerard Butler) But, I think they could have made the deformity a bit worse, I mean, it looks a bit like a cross between a serious case of acne and a third degree sunburn. Christine (Emmy Rossum) was also very good, and very beautiful, I think she had especially lovely eyes. She just had the biggest mouth I have ever seen on another living human being, I mean if you get too close, she may just swallow you whole! Back to the point, The phantom deserves every bit of happiness in the world, and Christine was just too selfish to give it too him. Everybody says that Raoul should have known better and he could have had any girl he wanted, but bear in mind what most of you fail to see, it takes two to tango. Christine was just as much to blame. Anyway, enough from me. Erik, I LOVE YOU!!!! |
From Phantom’s Mask:
I would have stayed with Erik, ok so he seems mad, but wouldn’t you if you spent half of your life on your own, the Phantom needs to be shown compassion, love. Erik would treasure Christine and truly and genuinely loves Christine, plus Gerard Butler in the new movie you the heck wouldn’t stay with him? Christine and Raoul’s love is romantic love but her and the Phantom’s love is deep, sexual, spiritual love, and in the new movie you can understand why christine relly fancies the Phantom more than Raoul. |
From Hannah:
I would have chosen Erik, because the only time Raoul seemed to notice Christine was when she started performing. They were childhood friends they were not in love, they were to young to know what love was. I would have chosen Erik because he would nuture the talent that I have and respect me. He would give up his life to live for me. If I were Christine I would have told Raoul that what we had was long ago. Erik is the man that really loves me. I cry everytime at the end of the movie! |
From Rogue:
Mon Dieu ! C’est un tel choix dur. (My God! It’s such a hard choice.) I personally would have wanted to stay with Erik, but as those who spoke before me have said, for an inexperienced young woman like Christine, that amount of passion towards her, going to the point of KILLING for her, that would indeed be frightening. In the movie and book, I feel she is caught between them. She wants both, but like many young women wants the security Raoul presents. Though, I am pretty sure in the end she will probably regret her choice. Erik would never turn from her, or cease loving her. I feel she truly loves Erik, and there are many reasons why she should have chosen him. And many why I myself would choose him any day. not only is he willing to sacrfice himself for you, but he is sensual, dark, but gentle. He would never harm the one he loved. |
From Samantha:
I would have choosen Erik because I too have been alone all of my life. I can relate to his pain and sorrow. I would also adore him for his music and his talent. I think that Christine was stupid to leave him! She should have stayed with him! |
From Heather Lewis:
I would’ve chosen Erik, because I know his pain of being alone and rejected. I’ve been there too, for many years. But, if it were me, it would be a meeting of minds, hearts and souls. His story touches me in a way that is very deep. I am taken through a range of emotions, from fear(of his face), to anger(because of the murders he committed), to compassion. It made me re-evaluate myself, and helped me look at people in a new light. |
From AngelMusic:
Mon Dieu. Where to begin? I can understand WHY Christine went with Raoul, I mean the passion that Christine was faced with from Erik was phenomenal. She was undoubtedly frightened out of her wits. But don’t think for a second that I condone her choice. If I did I would not be posting here. Because Erik’s passion was so great, his love so Strong – what Christine had with Raoul was puppy love or in my opinion a VERY close friendship – but nothing more. So many thoughts are rushing madly about my head right now that it’s hard to type…. So I suppose that I will simply have to say why I would have chosen Erik if it had been me, and try to get back to Christine when I can think straight. Well first a Quote from Susan Kay’s Phantom I think: There were…woman all over the world – who would have gladly sunk themselves in his shadow… Erik was…no IS – Let’s see if I can make sense of this… He was sensual, darkly romantic…A wonderful musician whose music could cause any one to feel anything he wanted them to at any time. For those of us who can see with our hearts and listen with our souls, those of us who are attracted to the safe warmth of the Darkness that surrounds him, Erik is perfect. For those of us with that gift it does not matter what the physical body looks like for we know that it is the heart and soul of a person that truly matters…I’m not making much sense am I? “He was complicated, passionate, artistic, dangerous, talented, smart as a whip, funny, charismatic, yet underneath, just sad and misunderstood and wanted to be loved.” And we all relate to him because on some level or other we see him in us, whether it be that we are lonely or misunderstood or any number of things… we are all attracted to him as Phans because of that. Honestly there’s no comparison… Erik was better for her…but was she necessarily good for Him? Two years now I’ve known about Erik and every day I find myself becoming darker, and in this Darkness which I couldn’t fight even if I wanted to …I find myself happier than when – shoot I used to be like Christine I was shy (and still am) I was a pink and frilly dresses type person. Over ten years that has changed, and learning about the Phantom has only helped that. In the darkness that seeps from his story I have been able to glimpse the darker side of life that is so crucial for my writing. (If anyone is Interested I have a story about Erik and Christine on fanfiction.net called Bizarre Undertakings that in a chapter that should be posted within days tells how Christine went BACK to Erik…Just thought I might mention that for anyone who wants to read such a story.) I think I will shut up now. I may post on here again if I can think properly enough to make sense out of what I want to say… |
From Penn:
Having grown up without a father, I feel very much like Christine. Where she has her Angel…I have no one. Erik loves her, much more that anyone ever could. He taught her to sing, he gave her what she wanted most, someone to love her. Raoul, hadn’t seen her for so long… |
From Cezzy Erik:
I thought that the Phantom needed Christine more the Raoul did. Just my opinion. |
From Nicole:
I would choose Erik because he sacrificed himself for Christine. He did everything in his power to help her and guide her in the right direction. If anyone were to help me in that way, I would find myself in love with them. He might not be a pretty face, but he is beautiful on the inside. He can feel things differently because he has been through a rough experience and he understands the feeling of hurt. I would choose Erik over anyone. |
From Jaz:
Many people I have seen comment on things like this, in Raoul’s defence. I have nothing at ALL against Raoul, he is a Prince Charming, or Knight In Shining Armour, but that isn’t for some people (I am HOPING just girls, but…) But I am afraid the whole point was missed by many of these, talking about (I quote) “Who would want to live with an obsessed skeleton who would murder for his obsession over you?” I see misunderstanding, and I agree with LOVER OF ERIK on this point, Erik loved Christine, with the same true love as Raoul, just shown differently, looking at his background, the moment anyone saw under his mask (even those who had been quite close to him) would abandon him,(excepting his adopted ‘Father’ whom Erik left) thus said, he wasn’t exactly ‘eager’ for Christine to see under the mask. pretended to be an angel, knowning that his voice was ‘unearthly’ and overpowering, let himself known to her using his strengths. Today when you go out on a date, for example, and you are tonedef, but you are terrific at golf? And you know you date is just as good? But he/she also sings. Would you go to an opera, or play golf? Erik, like everybody today, wanted to look(or sound) and seem his best for his lover. Out of Sight, Inside Mind. |
From Black Satin Bow:
For those women who don’t need drama, who don’t need complication in life, Raul is a fabulous choice. He’s rich, he’s nice, he’s young, cute, fresh, and hey, they played when they were kids. So why did he only remember her and become interested again when she was in the spotlight? Did he know what happened, and why did they drift apart? How old were they when they were talking about dolls, chocolates and riddles? And wasn’t what “Lotte” loved the best was the Angel of Music singing songs in her head? And there’s where Erik comes in. Even when Raul and Lotte played and had fun, she still dreamed of something else, something beautiful, and that was music, and the angel behind it. Erik was that dream come true for her, he is/was not a simple man, but he was her Angel of Music, and I think the reality of her dream come true was much too frightening for a young girl to fathom, Raul was safe, but I think the story would have been pretty fascinating had she picked Erik. This story goes into farther depths of emotion than simple Raul, very Wuthering Heights esque. I don’t like Raul’s name either, heh. I am an avid Erik lover. CHARISMA. |
From I Love Erik:
Christine, you stupid girl – he was willing to die for you! How many guys out there are redy to commit murder for you. He’s just misunderstood. I think that we all feel the insecurity of Erik at some point in our lives, so we can understand his torment. Choosing Raoul is the easy way out – after you see the show, who’s the one person stuck in your head? It ain’t Raoul. Erik, honey, had I been Christine, I know who I’d have chosen. |
From Jillian D:
I’ve always chosen the Phantom of the Opera or Erik. I’ve read both the ‘the Phantom of the Opera’ novel and Susan Kay’s novel. Both is different versions of the storylines. I loved Susan Kay’s version story about the entire story of Erik and of course to understand the meaning of love. Also I’ve seen both of the musical stage and movie film. I loved both of them, of the music, the story, the characters, the sets and the costumes. Of course, the were two versions of Erik (the stage and the movie), I like the film Erik, better than the stage Erik. This film actor Erik/Phantom played by Gerard Butler, oh, I just fell over heels of him. Of course, in all the stories of the Phantom/Erik that he is a genius, architect, designer, composer, and magician. Also as a deformed, monster, mad man, and a murder person. I felt his pain and hatred in the world because of his deformed face. His hate come from his face over the years, etc, until a young girl with a angelice voice (known as Christine Daae). He taught her how to used her voice and so to become the opera singer. He grows passionate and he adores Christine throught her childhood and teenage years. Until the Vicomte Raoul De Chagny come along, even then when Christine revealed to Meg about Raoul and her were childhood sweethearts, but he didn’t even recognize her because she was a opera’s ballet and chorus girl. When she sings, oh, finally, he recognizes her, oh please, give me a break. He might be wealthy, good-looking, etc, etc, and etc. He is jerk in three things (the novel, the stage and the film). Raoul was basking her glory because she was being a singer opera star. Then (Gerard) Erik shown up, oh drool. His muscial, sexy voice had hold of Christine because he always cares, adores, and loves her (now she is almost a woman), it will become almost senxual. When she removed the mask, seen his face, a little afraid, moved towards him, and showing that she always cares. The the jerk-pain Raoul thinks he loves Christine, oh god, please and heard this before and Christine falls for it. That hurt Erik painful, seen them and angry towards the ‘curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you’. In the Masquerade scene: Raoul given Christine a big diamond engagement ring,please, all thinking, will Raoul wealthy family will let Raoul marry Christine. It is unknown, come on, Christine, smell the roses, Raoul maybe rich, good-looking and he has you on the end of the hook. Then the Phantom (as the Red of Death), yes, ripped the engagement ring from her neck. In the mirror torture-room, why, Madame Giry saved Raoul. I HATE RAOUL. I HATE THE CHARACTER OF HIM. Okay, lets talk about Erik and Christine. Yes, Christine given him to understand the about love when two kisses she given him and the ring back to him. (damm) She should kept the ring, secretly, she should hide it from Raoul. In the end of the film, Christine of was beloved wife and mother, but I wanted to know that she secretly want to Erik, unknown to him, that they had a son. (Almost thinking in the Susan Kay’s novel). That would be so…good. I love Erik. Christine always loves Erik from within the ‘music of the night’. ‘The Phantom of the Opera is he inside my mind’. Thanks. To the Fans of Erik known as the Phantom. |
From Shani:
Erik,although homicidal, was so loving to Christine. Okay, so he had some “baggage”. Who doesn’t? He truly loved Christine and was there for her she should have been there for him. I am sure that Raoul loves her as well but Erik was her soulmate. Even as twisted as he is, you cannot deny the fact that they were made for each other. Erik is the yen to Christine’s yang! She should have helped him with his problems, she should have loved him as he loved her. Together they could have soared. The flower that blooms in adversity is often the most beautiful flower of all!! Christine should have realized this fact but instead she went choose the safe route. Raoul was just easy and safe. Christine let Erik down in the end and that is why it is all so tragic to me. Plus – Erik is GORGEOUS in the mask. Something kind of sexy about it. Definately Erik for me so, thanks Christine for bailing on the good one! |
From Lover of Erik:
God, where do I start? I have wanted Christene to choose Erik over Raoul and always hoping for that sinful version where she does (even though it takes away from the point of it all), and the only one that really does it for me was Susan Kay, God bless her, and it was realistic. One, I am a firm believer that Erik and Christene were soul mates. Her father talked about the Angel of Music coming to her guide, and he did! He was a musical genius that comforted her and changed her life (at first until she found out he was “just a man”), and this Angel of Music was to be the true love of her life I believe. Although he took the idea to be able to speak to her and seduce her, it worked, and how else was Erik going to be able to be a normal human being. His genius and manipulation was all he had to introduce himself, and it worked, and then he revealed his true self after they were introduced. He was complicated, passionate, artistic, dangerous, talented, smart as a whip, funny, charistmatic, yet underneath, just sad and misunderstood and wanted to be loved. Just purely passionate, and, the most charismatic character I have ever read about, and Susan Kay read my mind and I believe into all our hearts as to what we really wanted Erik to be about (although I don’t like that he is so old)and come on ladies, don’t tell me you would not fall hard for all of the above and a mysterious man in a mask who adores you and dresses well, unmasked or not. Raoul on the other hand, is too easy, too naive, and too boring. And did I mention 0 charisma? I really hate him. The only thing he’s got going for him is the hot hair, the big wallet and is just a genuinly “nice guy” although in certain versions, I find him to be pompous, and just because Christine is in the spotlight, he is suddenly interested. I also believe he admired and felt sorry for Erik and was jealous of him all at the same time, for I believe that he knew deep down that she was in love with him but would accept her sloppy seconds anyways. Anyhow, I love Erik, I will always love Erik, the “true” Erik, not the half-assed movie versions where they always turn him into a monster and a psycho and leave out the fact that he’s just a sad human being wanting to be loved badly by the woman he loves, and I truly believe that Christene was madly in love with him, but chose Rauol because it was easy. And disfigured or not, someone with that much talent and passion and charisma, has got to be the best lover in the world. |
From Brandon Arias:
I think Christine should have picked the Phantom because they have a greater love for each other. Even if she loved Raoul but I can tell she love the phantom more. Christine and Raoul’s love was childish. Christine and Erik’s love was true love and they both have something in common they love singing and I am sure Erik would protect Christine, love her and never hurt her if she stayed with him. But Christine did love the phantom no matter what he did or look like because beauty comes with in not what you look like and I know if Christine stayed with him they would have a great life. |
From Eriklover:
I would choose Erik because his love was true and passionate, love like that can only happen once in life if you’re lucky. He loved her more than Raoul and showed it by letting her go. Erik needed Christine’s love more than Rauol and they would have been happy together, they were soulmates. |
From Faith:
I would’ve stayed with Erik cuz of all those same reasons. His feelings go deeper, they might be dark but there is some beauty to it. Yes he might’ve killed people, and what ever wrong he did…but you learn to love him, not out of pity or sympathy or any of that…but you slowly begin to understand the way he is…how people rejected him and showed him no compassion no love, why he is like he is…I mean I would’ve so stayed with erik…no matter what raoul had to offer…cuz I dont think Raoul’s love went so deep, Raoul really didn’t understand passion of love, it wasn’t as beautiful as Erik’s…and there’s just something about him, the cape and mask…its a mystery and it draws you…another plus…xDD and he let her go at the end, and he kept living his miserable life, and even though years passed he still loved her…I dont think we would’ve seen the same thing from Raoul….Erik would sacrifice anything to see Christine happy…and that was to let her go and be with Raoul. |
From Lucy Chamberlain:
I would have chosen Erik any day of the week. Raoul is just going to make Christine give up her job and have children. Erik can give her more then just that. |
From Robin C.:
I would have chosen Erik because, while Raoul is handsome and charming, due to these traits he could find someone else. Erik, on the other hand, was shattered when Christine left him. Plus all of the things you said! |
From Advid:
I would’ve chosen Erik because, look at him he’s pouring his heart out, he’s the most passionate most deserving person on this planet. He’s known only a life of sorrow and grief and lives to be accepted. I’d do anything to make a person like that happy, he also gives people chances so that shows that he’s clearly compasionate even though the world has shown no compasion towards him.. if a person like that doesn’t deserve someone I don’t know who does.. |
From Lyra Dove:
I would have chosen Erik because when he loves he loves with all his heart and soul. When he does things, he does them with all his heart. |
From eriksgur:
His music, his passion, his power of presence, his darkness, his wittiness, his need for love, and his vunerability. That’s why I would have chosen him. Besides, get a load of that lair… who couldn’t help but be entranced with candlabras coming up out of the water like that?! However, I think Christine is better off – because she is Christine. He needs a stronger woman who NEEDS HIM as much as HE NEEDS HER. His love for Christine is just too one way. She obviously someone who puts alot of stock in sentimate, thus still hlding a candle for a childhood sweetheart instead of growing up & getting on with her own life. So Christine, enjoy Raoul. Thanks for leaving Erik free for me. |
From Mouse:
He knows how to please Christine. He can give her music and love and compassion and many things Raoul wouldn’t be able to. I like Raoul, but he would be taking her away from her life. Christine sings because she loves to. You can guess Raoul wouldn’t allow it. Erik would let her, because she has a glorious voice and talent. What would she do in high society? |
From AngelOfMusic718:
Ok, I’m tired of everyone beating up on Raoul. He’s not that bad a choice! Who doesn’t want a man that’s handsome and rich? However, this is my reason for choosing Erik instead. Erik is this passionate man with all his passion building up everyday he spends without Christine. He taught he how to sing, and figures “fear can turn to love” she’ll “learn to see to find the man behind the monster.” She’s obviously the only one he wants, and while his extreme obsession is kind of crazy, it’s actually okay because he’s been stuck under an opera house for most of his life. Raoul, on the other hand, has had a very good life. He just happened to meet up with his childhood sweetheart one day and fall in love with her again. Raoul, with those looks, could probably get over Christine and get any woman he wants. And this is why if I were Christine, I would have given Raoul the goodbye kiss, not Erik. |
From Crystal:
christine should have been with erik because duh,he was and still in love with her unlike that jerk Raoul. The phantom of the opera did everything for christine.Hello,he was her angel of music. I dont understand why christine woulnd want him.I mean, he is not that good looking but everything was about her.Its not his fault that he was born with that face. Raoul just loved christine because of her voice. They were just buddies. But erik loved her from the start. People think that he’s a murderer but hey he did it for christine or at least to get christine. One udgement is that Erik should have been a little nicer,like when raoul.. came and stop christine from going to him in the cementary. but that wasnt his fault, hes used to people treating him bad and now hes getting revenge. also, raoul didnt believe anything christine said about the phantom especially her angel of music. He just said “yeah you do have an angel without even beleiving it. he wasnt completely honest with her. I cannot beleive the cast or directors wrotethe script that christine will go with raoul. I mean that was stupid of them to do that. If christine went with erik, raoul will get over it because hes rich. hell find another girl forv him but the phantom never got over it. I cried over the movie when christine left erik. again, erik only want what was best for christine but raoul just wanted christine for himself. After all, erik wasnt over christine yet.he still visited her grave. I was suprised at the end of the shoe when raoul went to christines grave and saw the rose with the ring christine gave back to erik.and what was that little innocent act of raoul at the starting of the movie. I think the best for christine was erik. I mean they will hide in the opera but atleast they have each other. He was so kind, he let christine leave without killing raoul after they had their first and last kiss. I still think that christine felt something between her and erik. That feeling was expressed when raoul almost killed erik. I wonder where the phantom went after christine left. I think christine regreted turning back erik and she didnt turn him down easy. She didnt even think of what her life would be with erik. She just said no because when she saw that face she just said”oh no, I don’t want to wake up to that everyday. The saddest part is when erik said “I LOVE YOU” to christine. I cried and cried until i was out of tears.I mean whats not to cry about, erik said “i love you” just before christine left. What the heck was that act when christine turned back and took a last look at her angel of music(her one true love). she left him in tears. i cried silently in that part. I hope someone makes another “phantom of the opera where erik and christine are together but even if that happens, it will still remind me of this sad phantom of the opera. Well, the best is for a seqeul. a good sequel will be where christine did die but never died the day it said she died. It will be about why she lied about her own death and why. that would be cause she regreted leaving erik or something like that. Well I hope that happens. See ya later. |
From Eniminty:
*I* would stay with him. Because he is very passionate about music as am I ….. I would want to stay and learn to sing with him. also, he is an amazing artist…. I would want to help him design stage settings.. ^_^ |
From Phantom’s Last Wish:
Christine did what she had to do. But it will be forever unknown how much more her career would have flurished had she stayed with Erik. She choose however to follow her heart and choose the man that could only give her love and a title. I believe that she never forgot the Phantom and his endless devotion. But it would also appear to me that the Phantom realized taht she could never have the life that she truly deserves with him. A life of freedom. Thus he gave his one true love to the man that he nearly added to his casulities list. Besides the book never said if that was Erik’s body anyway. Being the Genus that he was it is not intirely impossible that he staged his death to escape his past and begin anew. if is true and undeniable that the Phantom is literatures most beloved and mysterious villian/lover/genius/inventor/everything else that he was…..or is?! |
From Lover of Roses Red:
I personally LOVE the Phantom. Christine can HAVE Raoul, give ME the Phantom. I can deal with his slightly deformed face and somewhat strange habits. Besides, I would want to mess with the managment too! He has a sense of humor, although his doll house is a little creepy. |
From Sami:
I would rather Christine stayed with Erik. He was the one who introduced her to the first stirrings of love and thus into the simmering world of passion. she was, first and foremost, his prodigy…his visceral escape from the prison society has condemned him because of his physical defects. And as the years passed, she became more to him than just his student – he grew to love the woman she has become. Theirs would have been a union of unbridled ardor, genius and soul. Unfortunately, she opted for raoul – enough said. |
From Magda:
Why does everyone think Christine would have to live in the bat cave with the Phantom? He trained her to sing. She would perform for him and Paris on the stage. She would perform for him and the world his music. Christine would have a dual world. And she would of course have a normal private room in the opera house… with a sliding mirror as the entrance to ‘heaven’. I can understand why Christine would take the easy way out. The known, comfortable life with Raoul. I wonder if all those years she was married to Raoul did she ever regret leaving her life at the opera and with the Phantom. Christine was a child. Raoul was undemanding. The Phantom was very demanding and expected her to reach for and obtain ever increasing levels of compedience she was afraid she could not. That is a lot of pressure for an immature young woman. |
From Sugarbabe3:
I think she should have stayed with him because: He is more in need of love and compassion then anyone else. No child should be treated the way he was people are cruel when they’re ignorant. I think he was so in love with her. He has never felt that emotion before so he doesn’t know how to handle all his feelings. So he becomes a little obsessed with her. He only wanted to be with her and would have been if Raoul hadn’t kept butting in. So what if he was scared she was able to look past it. The kiss they shared showed that. Raoul could have never messured up to that one heated passionate kiss. |
From Ashley M.:
I like all of your reasons, but just the fact that a man (Erik) is willing to kill for you, then hey, that’s good too. Erik is not some young, dashing, boy willing to do anything in side the lines of proper society for Christine. Erik is a older, wiser man willing to give himself and more. Erik has nothing to lose, and for that is willing to give everything. |
From Georgina:
In my opinion the whole thing is sad! Erik was an abused child based on his appearance, and, that said, spent his life in hiding to not be further abused by society and treated as a freak. As a man, he became obsessed with Christine, and thought that given enough time, she would fall in love with the man, not the face. That would have been true, but he was in too much of a hurry. Had he slowly courted her, She could have fallen for him. However, in 1880, what kind of life what that have meant for them, both in hiding…as his appearance would never have been accepted in public. He also did some very selfish things in the sake of love and genius… and that was murder! She really had no choice.. the life he proposed for her would not have been easy. Had he taken his time, he may have won! It is sad.. to me because he had so much to give and was born in the wrong place at the wrong time. |
From Phantom’s Black Rose:
He loves with a murderous heart: He would, and did , kill for her. Now there is a man who loves a girl. He can also seduce by song. No guy I know can do that. His tortured mind makes him a man who can love and be open yet full of mystery. he also isn’t a “Dandy” like some of the men in the late 1800s. And truly, he wasn’t that bad-looks wise. He also knows what a woman wants and can get the management to do most anything he wants. Last but not least-HE CAN SING LIKE A GOD. |
From Jodi:
Look at all he did for her. Taught her how to sing. Got her on the stage, and all of that good stuff. Raoul did nothing like that for her. |
From Jessica:
I still think she will choose Erik in the end. In Georgette Heyer romance novels, an opera dancer is a euphism for mistress. I doubt his family will contenance this marriage. Also, would a Vicomte allow his wife to sing in the opera? Very unlikely. It as much a question of how much does Christine really love music as it is of which man she likes best. If Christine really has a passion for music, the pursuit of excellence, and for the kind or artistic endeavor that working together to put on an opera takes, the aristocratic life of parties and balls will seem pretty flat indeed. |
From Josie:
One would be blind to not choose Erik! He is so passionatly in love with Christine and has never known love before. He proved that he loved her more than Raoul would ever when he let her leave with Raoul. Now that is true love. |
From Serena:
Okay here is why I would stay with Erik first off he is passionate in everything he does nobody could ever even come close to writeing music like he does if they were not passionate about their work nobody would also beable to create their own world as elaborate as his with out being passionate and did you see how much he loved Christine I have yet to find a man alive who would risk humiliating themselves and everything they ever had for a girl they loved okay yeah some people could say he was obssesed but that was because he loved her so much that is seemed that way but also think about it all his life he has only known fear and hate I mean I can’t imagine haveing his life mother fearing him because of how he looked can you imagine how that must of felt and his father used to beat him untill he sold him to the circus where he was beaten even more until he was sixteen ( refering to the the book The Phantom of Manahattan, it is the sequel) The second reason is his voice and music oh my god he wasn’t called an angel of music for nothing he could play any instrument he picked up and he had a voice like an angel as Christine said in Angel of the Opera ” His voice is the same, if not more celestial then the violin. Saint Micheal the Archangel when he sang to the other angels could not have sounded more heavenly!” as a singer I am very intune to his music and I’ll say that I was in love with the phantom before I ever even saw what he looked like he has an amazeing voice that you can just fall in love with and seeing the movie made me fall for him even more The third reason is he is a genius now tell me how many boys have you ever met that you can actually hold an inteligent convirsation with very few Erik was amazeing e could speak in english, spanish, persian, and french and I bet he could even speak more by the age of 27 (remember he arrived un the opera house at the age of 16) he had read every book in the Opera House’s library and he helped build a lot of the underground regions of the opera house and in the Phantom of Manahatan he built his own empire by building theme parks and opera houses makeing him increadably rich even richer then Raoul also he knew the art of illusions and the art of music and dance sence he can write operas The fourth reson is he is handsome and yes I do know about the whole face thing but there is more to being beautiful then apearences on the the outside after all it is what is on the inside that counts as the book Angel of the Opera tells us ” but was not that face also a mask? Its ugliness hid the true man, the splendid inner man even more then the porcelain mask had.” though I think he is handsome on the outside as well. Erik was a kind and a true gentleman he would never hurt the person he loved maybe threaten but he would never actaully hurt the person as he tells Raoul in Angel of the Opera “I could never have hurt her, do you uderstand? I do love her. How could I possibly harm her?” and then he lets Raoul take her away because he knows she would be happier with Raoul and that was all he wanted was for her to be happy I am certain that if she had chosen Erik Raoul would not have let her go I am sure of that because Raoul was rather clingy to her with out a real reason other then he loved her Erik was more clingy because of the fact that he loved her and he wanted to be shown kindness and love which he thought she could show him so even though she broke his heart he only thought of her feeling not his own. There is also the argument that Erik was a killer but so was Raoul, Raoul tried to kill Erik and in Angel of the Opera he killed Victor (Erik’s servant and friend) though it was by accident but he could have helped try to save Victor but no he stood there watched and rejoiced that he had been let out of the cage he had been in and clean himself! At least Erik had a reason for killing people I also think that really Christine was not worthy of Erik, Erik could have done so much better Christine was a childish and immature and truly did not even deserve to have Erik as her teacher. So yes I would have chosen Erik for all of those reasons and more |
From The Internet Ghost:
The passion of his soul completely captivates me. I think that I am like Erik in some ways. I have almost two personalities: the loud boisterious tomboy that my friends know, and the quiet shy writer singing softly in her room; as Erik is the cold merciless killer to the Operahouse, but so calm and emotional to Christine. And the point of no return! I love that song! Seriously, I’m a dreadful romantic, so if any guy started singing that to me, I’d be putty in his hands. I think in the 2004 film documentary it said that Erik was “The birght side of danger” which I suppose I like. And his voice! |
From Blair:
I defintely agree with what a lot of people here say. Erik and Christine really had that deeper connection, and it’s very clear that Erik feels very deeply about his love. Christine and Raoul’s love is more like a teenage romance. Ugh. While this is not quite as evident in the novel, I think in truth Christine really did feel torn between the two men. She probably chose Raoul because she ultimately wanted the ‘normal’ life. After all, she’s really a simple girl, not all that different from most. While she wants a successful career as a singer, yes, but not a life all that extraordinary. But that’s another reason I think Erik and Christine are better off together than Christine and Raoul. Raoul doesn’t understand Christine’s passion for music the way Erik does. After all, Erik was the one that tutored her! But the only reason people like Raoul, the members of ‘high’ society, to go to the Opera Populaire was to see and be seen by other members of high society. He doesn’t seem genuinely enraptured by music until he meets Christine. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but after a while, what are they going to be able to share? Yeah, love, sure. But a relationship takes more than just ‘liking’ someone to really last. Anyway, I’m dragging on so I’ll come to the point. I would definetely choose Erik because he really has a good heart; and he’s the type of person you really would like to get to know better, and tell him that’s he’s really not alone, that there are people who care. And he’s really amazing with all of his abilities and talents, as well as his passion. And yes, I definately agree that he has a good sense of humor. A little twisted at times, but a good one none the less. Especially when he shows off his ventroliquist tricks (Carlotta’s croak ;)). Anyway, I would chose Erik over Raoul, no matter what other people might think. I can understand why Christine didn’t, but it doesn’t soften the blow for Erik or anyone else who cares about him. I certainly hope that wherever he is, he’s had a chance to redeem himself and have a chance to be loved as he should. (Yes, I believe he really existed. Not neccessarily as all the stories suggest, but probably somewhere close to them. According the Leroux, he himself prayed for Erik’s soul, hoping God would be merciful. I sure hope so.) |
From Krystyna:
Okay….ummm. Personally, I’m not really with Raoul. I mean I understand why Christine chose him. They were childhood sweethearts. I mean come on, what more does a girl want? But, personally, I would take the Phantom any day. He gave her everything he had. He helped bring out her talents. She owed him. Don’t you think? He made it clear that if anybody got in his way, they would be hurt. The people were just too dumb to listen. They didn’t believe him. The only one that truely understood him was Madame Giry. She was the closest one to him. Also, Christine was just a tease. She fantasized about him and everything. She was just leading him on. I think the phantom should’ve went for Meg(Madame Giry’s daughter). When Christine sang”God give me courage to show you, you are not alone…” that was a lie. She is about to leave him for Raoul, she broke his heart. I understand she would’ve lived a happier life with Raoul because he was just another face in the crowd. The Phantom was considered a monster, and her life would never really be nice. But, she should’ve given the Phantom a chance, that is all that I am saying. |
From Ellie:
I think that Christine should have gone with Erik, because come on you can’t judge him on his apperance! It’s not his fault. But the only thing that I would tell erik, if I were Christine, is that we would have to live outside above the earth, that would be my only request! p.s. If you have not read the book, well READ IT! But you will find that it is very different from the movie! |
From Krista:
I agree with you. I would’ve stayed with Erik. First off, all the reasons you stated are true. I have so many friends that say, “Well he just wanted her to sing his music and that’s why he was obsessed with her.” No, he wouldn’t have been that willing to marry her just for that fact. Let’s not mention that in most of the plays and movies Erik’s portrayed as the bad guy and what girl doesn’t want to be with the bad guy it calls for more interesting times!! (Yea call me a geek!!) I also agree with what you said about him feeling things more deeply and with more meaning. That would have bought me just in that fact. I think it would be interesting if someone were to write a separate play in which Christine stays with Erik. That would be a story really worth reading, not saying that this one isn’t!!! But can you imagine!!…. |
From Orestes:
Why the phantom? Why not? What would be better than a man who really loves the soul rather than the flesh, since he has been prosecuted for his own appearance? Christine should be aware that Raoul’s love was nothing more than just missing of hos own childhood, missing the old attic stories and pic-nics. However, the phantom, like in Gaston’s, is even willing to work hard to change his own appearance and make a mask for himself so that people will dare to look at him, something that he never tried before, only for Christine’s sake, proving his eternal love for her. |
From Emily:
Erik was amazing and could have offered her much more if she were to stay with him. Not to mention he can sing. Raoul just tried to be perfect but he was way too far from it. |
From Julie Kayden:
The vast majority of what I would have said has been gone over on this site, but I would like to make one additional point. There are many reasons why I personally would not have gone with Raoul and the main one of these is the fact that he is arrogant. He takes it for granted that Christine wants to go with him and hesitates out of fear rather than out of genuine confusion as to who is the better choice. Raoul is a spoiled rich boy who expects his will to be obeyed, never listening to a word that Christine says until he finds proof for himself. He is, simply put, an irritating, presumptuous little fool. I am also not a big Christine fan but the reasons for that have been amply explained by others. Erik, on the other hand, has a passion and intelligence that is every woman’s dream in a day and age when it is taken for granted that men are stupid and apathetic. A man like Erik is, regrettably, a rarity and to overlook someone like that because of looks…. I will not even comment on how truly shallow that is. Erik is an enigmatic, tortured soul who deserved better than Christine could ever have given him and in the end it is a good thing that she did not go with him. On quite a different note, a person could easily become lost for hours listening to that voice, at least in the ALW musical. I have yet to watch the recent movie in its entirety, being a cash-strapped college student, but I have been promised the chance to do so soon. Needless to say I am looking forward to it. |
From Gabriella:
I would have chosen Erik because of the depth of his passion for Christine. Raoul is young, conventionally handsome and rich. He would get over Christine and would have his pick of women. To Erik Christine is his life, his world, his night, his day, his hope, his dreams and his despair. My God, if anybody loved me like that I’d follow him anywhere. Of course it helps that Gerry plays him drop dead gorgeous, arrogant, vulnerable, tortured, deranged with passion and full of sexual torment. Who could resist? – not me. |
From Satoshi:
I would have chosen Erik because, despite (or maybe because of) his emotional immaturity (see “Raoul’s Defense”) he IS passionate. He feels everything so intensely, especially love. You see the way he just worships Christine, and the thought of having directed at yourself..well, it makes ME get all tingly, thats for certain. And besides, you know life would never be boring with the Opera Ghost as a husband! But there would also be security too, since he’d of course have a place of safety to retreat to, no matter where the two of you were. That’s another point in Eric’s favor. He’s very skilled as a provider. Any man who could build a lair THAT astounding and luxurious on a LAKE UNDERGROUND would definately be good at taking care of his loved ones. And did I mention the passion…..! |
From Alyssa:
I would pick Erik because he has so much love to give and he loved Christine, but she betrayed him. He was so kind with her and taught her to sing. Not everyone can take a “Cambodian crow” as it is explained in one version of POTO, and turn her into an angel of music. Not only that, but he loved her BEFORE she was a Prima Donna… which is more than we can say of the dumb fop. Erik sings like a phreakin angel and he is the sweet, sexy tenor I have been looking for my entire life… so there. Point proved and there we go. (He should try an alto next time… like me! Lmao! Jk!) |
From Imzadi:
I like Erik’s passion and love for Christine, and his faith in her. Raoul, until she dissapears, dosen’t really even try to believer her. I also didn’t like how he was so hot and cold, one minute he loved her the next he hated her. Make up his mind. |
From Sandra L.:
I would have definitely chosen Erik. He seems to be very in tune with the female psyche and would know how to keep a woman happy. His heart would only belong to you, no playing around with other women. He would be an endless source of entertainment becaouse of his love for mucic. And toying with the mangement, I would join in on that because it just looks like fun…and who wouldn’t want to mess with their bosses? But mostly, I would pick Erik because of his soul. Yes, he did bad things, but in his heart he was trying to win the woman he was in love with. What woman wouldn’t appreciate a man who would do anythng for her? I love the fact that he’s so passionate about the things he does. I wouldn’t matter to me that he’s deformed. His personality and soul would make up for what’s only skin-deep. |
From Amanda:
I thought the Phantom was the greatest character in the movie. Since the movie is the only thing I’ve saw right now. I have not read the book yet. But I hope to read it soon. My heart went out to him. I mean not very many people would look and give him the time of day because of his looks. But to me that doesn’t matter. He is still a man who knows how to love and knows how to be romantic who is also very bright. Writing scores for plays and music for Christine to sing. In the movie I couldn’t see how he could ever been mean to Christine all he wanted is to be loved by her. But As we all know she refused him. While we all know his feelings were much more powerful and deeply more bondly than Raoul’s ever will be. I mean if I was Christine I would pick him no doubt about that. He and I could make/sing beatiful music together. He could love me undying and I would love to be his eternal bride for the rest of our days that we would have left. |
From The Little Corinthian:
Well, after the debut of the movie (which I cried through in the theaters and laughed through on DVD) one of my friends (who has never seen the stage musical or read any book version) decided to give me her thoughts on how Raoul really loved Christine, and Erik just wanted her body. First of all, I laughed in her face. Her reasoning for her claims was that Raoul (remember, she’s only seen the movie) was willing to die for Christine. She didn’t seem to want to think of the fact that because Erik loves Christine so much, he was willing to let her go to another man, a man who he despised, to see her happy and give her a life. He gave up his angel so she could be happy. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. He doesn’t love often, but when he does, he loves deeply, with everything he has. Every woman (and man, for that matter) should be fortunate enough to find someone they love and who loves them that. He is so much more endearing than Raoul for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Raoul, in his own way- he has his good points (come on, you can admit it). But Erik is brilliant, passionate, intuitive, and, come on, he does have the better songs. And it’s not just physical beauty he loves for. If I were in Christine’s position, I would have been jumping back into Erik’s arms faster than it takes Carlotta to butcher a song. Plus, I’ve got to admit- there’s something damn sexy about that mask :0P |
From Merka:
*Laughs mercilessly at the fact that people actually think that she should have gone with Raoul* The whole point of the story is that you feel sympathy for Erik because you know she should have choosen him. The main reason still being that Erik let her go and Raoul’s “life is over” if she chose Erik. But I suppose it is a good thing that she did chose Raoul because if she had chosen the Phantom, it would have been a happy ending fairy tale and we wouldn’t be arguing here nearly a century after it was written or worse we would be arguing she should have ended up with Raoul *shudders* |
From Alia:
I would pick Erik because of the fact that he was a true gentleman even when Christine betrayed him he gave her another chance to be with him he forgave her for crushing his heart with the heel of her shoe. I would also choose Erik because he is so compassionate, he is a true lover he sent her roses, gave her that beautiful ring, sang songs for her, and taught her how to sing not only that but he let her go with Raoul after one kiss that shows how much he truly loved her because it shows that wanted her to be happy even if it ment he could never have her. And also I hate how Raoul calls a person who is less fortunate then him a monster I am sure the Erik would never call someone a monster. Eric is also a genius Raoul seems like an idiot if you ask me. Eric is a very handsome man on the outside and inside the side of his face that was deformed wasn’t even that bad he still was good looking and had a personality that was a billion times better then Raoul’s. |
From Celeste:
He can sing, my Lord, he can SING, most unlike Monsieur Vicomte de Chagny. What can be better than that? |
From LadyUne021283:
Well I would have chosen to be with Erik, because looks shouldn’t count. It is better to be with someone that is completely and intierly devoted to you. I mean if you really think about it if you chose someone for their looks chances are that they won’t look that way of the rest of their lives. Also, at first he seems to not notice her until she gets her chance at fame, and then he is like all over her. If you look at Erik then you can see that there is a deeper more passionate love that is just waiting to be discovered. I also think that he most likely would be someone that I would date you know the dark and obsessed type. |
From Samantha:
I fell in love with Erik, even if Christine did not. This story truly touched my heart and I cried so much when she left with Raul, because she obviously couldn’t see the passion this ‘ monster’ had for her, how he loved her with everything he was and Raoul just seemed so…square. |
From Sam:
I like Erik just because of his deep undying love for music and for Christine. I always liked how he found inspiration in Christine for his music. He was always so passionate and loving to Christine and he went out of his way to make a way for her in her career. And even though at the end, Erik really wanted Christine to marry him, he realized that she wouldn’t have been happy with him, so Erik gave her back to Raoul. I think that shows true love to be willing to give up your happiness for hers, and I think Erik really redeemed himself at the end, to the point where if we didn’t like him before, we really liked him now because of that immense sacrifice he made. I think any guy who would willingly do that deserves to have all the happiness in the world, and I would love to give it to him! |
From Chantal:
I would have picked Erik simply because he’s the kind of man that I would fall in love with. There are two kinds of love depicted in the Phantom of the Opera. There’s the kind of love Raoul has for Christine-sort of sophomoric and not as deep as Erik. Theres the kind of love that Erik has for Christine-and theres proof right at the end of the movie. The rose tells it all…he spent his whole life loving Christine, even though she didn’t pick him. He was devoted-and that’s something that is good in a guy. He loves to sing-he understand music and the emotions-I find that by just listening to the music and hearing the notes, you feel all kinds of things, and he understood that. He felt them too-it likes understanding the person that you’re talking to. It’s confusing, but it makes sense to me. I would have picked him for his heart. His soul.. His compassion. Everything. Looks don’t matter… and there’s just something about him that I fell in love with the first time I ever heard about the Phantom (Really Erik). But I simply would have picked him-for all those reasons and more. |
From Lindsay:
The Phantom has an undying and possibly deeper love and APPRECIATION for Christine. The Phantom has spent most of Christines life worshipping and cherishing her and guiding her…Raoul is just some guy who happened to have a thing for Christine…he never appreciates her or her voice or anything. |
From Guac:
I agree with most of what’s said here, and I’d like to add a little comparison between Erik and Raoul. Raoul: “What a change! You’re really not a bit the gawkish girl that once you were…” Erik: “I gave you my music Made your song take wing And now, how you’ve repaid me Denied me and betrayed me. He was bound to love you When he heard you sing…” Raoul: “Say you love him and my life is over!” Erik: “Take her – forget me – forget all of this… Leave me alone – forget all you’ve seen… Go now – don’t let them find you! Take the boat – leave me here – go now, don’t wait… Just take her and go – before it’s too late… Go… Go now – go now and leave me!” In other words, Raoul (ALW) loved Christine after he had seen her and heard her sing. Erik taught her how to sing, and therefore loved or at least was interested in her before she aquired the astounding voice. This also has the added effect of creating more guilt for Erik; he taught her to sing and, in a roundabout way, it was his fault that Raoul fell in love with Christine. That guilt, in my opinion, was one of the more moving things about the ending: Erik blamed himself and his face for all his problems. He had every right to blame Christine, but he didn’t. Raoul, on the other hand, was a lot more greedy about his love. First off, he makes the unstated assumption that Christine cannot love Erik and poses himself as the tragic hero who will sacrifice his life so she doesn’t have to live with a monster. Bravery, I admire. Bravado based on assumptions that an ugly man is unloveable just disgusts me. He also tries, intentionally or unintentionally, to make Christine feel guilty if she chooses Erik. Either way it’s tactless and low. And I am among those who hated Christine when she came back- just to return the ring. I’m sure she could’ve kept the blasted ring and Erik wouldn’t mind. But she came back, and then sails off with Raoul in Erik’s boat, singing about their love and rubbing it in some more. Raoul’s a flat character. He is the stereotypical dandy lover, he learns nothing, and he doesn’t change. And as for the “Erik is an obsessive stalker” argument, Raoul was no better in the book. Eavesdropping, breaking into her dressing room, following her, etc. Since he was not her lover or even courting her at the time, he had no right to get suspicious or offended by hearing another man’s voice in Christine’s room. With that all said (and sorry for the long-windedness), yes, I think Christine should’ve chosen Erik. But I also agree with a previous statement. The book and the musical would not have had nearly the same impact with a happy ending. Likely, it would be a cute story that was subsequently forgotten. It makes you feel pity for the deformed genius and wish that you could’ve been there to show him love. Perhaps we will remember this when such a person crosses our paths in the future, and I think it is one of the things that makes this novel a beautiful story. |
From Cherry:
Come on! Of course Erik is the best choice – Raoul is a self-obsessed idiot!! GO ERIK!!!! |
From Mahnoor:
I would choose Erik because he was actually pretty nice to Christine, and he is a genius. Also in the book he said that if you love me, we will live in an apartmant and go on walks on Sundays like normal people. |
From Lotharien:
Well, Erik deserves her more, I mean Raoul will probably find another girlfriend in a couple months. And Raoul is completely brainless. ‘But why does the engagement have to be secret?’ gee, i dunno, maybe because if Erik finds out he’ll probably kill you? This shows that he is either terminally macho, inable to follow a simple cause-and-effect, or desperate to have a trophy wife on his arm at the ball, where he should be wearing a mask, btw. Whereas Erik is a genius, would probably give up the killing-people-thing if he was shown love, and the whole mask and cape thing…*sigh**drools* If only they had the internet back then. Erik needs to read this page a couple times. |
From Dixie:
He’s willing to let her go to make her happy, and in turn be miserable all of his life. To me that meant he really loved me and that would make me want to stay with him, because he truly knew how to love. |
From H.J.:
I am a big fan of this musical and just saw it for the first time recently. I sat in the front row and being so near to “the Phantom” just made me realize how amazing that everything he does is. Of course I knew what I happened at the end, but found myself nearly crying when Christine came back at the end to give him his ring and saw that awful, hopeful look on his face it was almost too much to take. I hated Christine right then, putting him through that even though he isn’t the most moral man ever. But, had he been loved, his better qualities of passion,amazing musical ability and intelligance might have flourished, making him a better man. But Christine refused him of this, so he was never redeemed. I don’t have anything against Raoul- I mean he’s a nice guy, handsome, rich, funny- there’s not much to hate about him. But then, there’s not much to love either. I mean, he has nothing extradionary about him, nothing to really set him apart from the rest. I do think he loves Christine- but only as much as he can love her. I feel he doesn’t have the capacity to love Christine as Erik does. Erik’s passion for Christine is so powerful- even more powerful than his love for music in the end. He just loves Christine more deeply than Raoul does. I think Christine loves both men but chooses Raoul as the easy way out. She doesn’t really have to work at their relationship-everything just exists like a fairy-tale or something. With Erik, she would have to work- but wouldn’t you rather work for something special, something only you can have, than give up and settle for something good but common? I guess this whole love triangle reminds me a bit of “Wuthering Heights”. I feel like Christine loves Raoul the way Catherine loves Edgar. Both women have truer, deeper, more spiriutal loves open to them in Erik and Heathcliff but both decide to go against what they think their gut feeling may be and take the easy way out. |