The Phantom of the Opera Group

Question:


twopinkforu
Student

what are the 3 main symbols in the phantom of the opera?

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Posted by twopinkforu on Saturday December 8, 2007 at 1:35 PM and tagged with symbolism, the phantom of the opera, themes.

Answers:


  1. bmadnick Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The phantom symbolizes the contrast between what is real and what isn't. Wearing his mask, he's a man with whom Christine can sympathize. Without his mask, he is so horrible that Christine can no longer look upon him. this can be extended to the mask that we all wear in dealing with others.

    The phantom also symbolizes illusion. No one knows if he really exists or not. The phantom's elusive character again represents the appearances that people put on, so others won't know the true reality of their lives.

    The opera house represents the dark side of life, the evil that exists in life. If you look at how it's described, it helps the author to create the elements of horror.

    Erik's face represents death. As a young man, he billed himself as the living dead man.

    These are but a few of the symbols, but if you go to the website below, you can find further details.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/phantom/themes

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    Posted by bmadnick on Sunday December 9, 2007 at 9:33 AM

  2. phantomsopera1986
    phantomsopera1986 Student
    High School - 11th Grade

    Based on Sir Andrew Lloyg Webber's adaptation of the novel, it can also be his mask, the rose which he gives to Christine after every performance (in the 2004 movie, the rose had a black ribbon) and his notes or his music.

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    Posted by phantomsopera1986 on Wednesday March 25, 2009 at 10:56 PM

  3. vampiric
    vampiric

    The Mask, The Monkey with the symbols, And the Rose with a black ribbon

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    Posted by vampiric on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at 1:40 PM