Revenge plays a significant role in Phantom of the Opera. In particular, descriptions and stories about Erik (the real name of the phantom), reveal the complex roots and reasons for his revengeful behavior. For example, consider how Erik’s childhood is described. His mother allegedly found his deformity so frightening that she “recoiled” from him. Erik eventually ran away. Here we see that Erik has been searching for love from a young age. Later in his life, before he came to the opera house, Erik worked as an assassin in Persia. The men he worked for and trusted in Persia turned on him and tried to kill him.

When Erik is at the opera house we begin to see his own proclivity for revenge. For example, consider how he drops the chandelier to get revenge on the opera house’s new owners. Yet Erik repeatedly argues that he is not a monster, but rather a man in need of compassion. For example, consider how frustrated he is that Christine is afraid of him. He pleads with her, saying, “I am not a bad man. Love me and you’ll see!”

The way people have treated Erik poorly throughout his life is a clear reason why he is so desperate for love. Erik’s past suggests that his angry expressions of revenge and control are rooted in his social rejection. Through this connection the novel explores the motivations for feelings of revenge, and prompts the reader to reflect on whether revengeful behavior is effective. Ultimately the text seems to suggest that revenge can spark a cycle of violence and isolation, but love and compassion have the power to heal.