The Phantom of the Opera Allusion Color Symbolism Elements of Gothic Literature

The Phantom uses Allusions Delilah Pandora Don Juan Triumphant

Color Symbolism Colors Alone Black – evil or dark White – purity or innocence Red – passionate love Gold – opulence Colors Together White & Red –PINK: pure love Black & Red –ROSE W/ RIBBON: tainted love Black & White –CAPE W/ LINING: evil covering a desire for innocence & beauty –GRAY: good intentions that have evil results

Elements of Gothic Literature Haunted Dwelling Inability to do the right thing Revenge Creature with supernatural powers Value of human life Not trusting senses

Elements of Gothic Literature Haunted Dwelling Inability to do the right thing Revenge Creature with supernatural powers Value of human life Not trusting senses The Phantom of the Opera Opera Populaire Christine’s trance Mist Scene falls on Carlotta

How does the Opera Ghost (the Phantom) show “supernatural” powers? What is the real explanation for this? The Phantom sings, “gradually your senses abandon their defenses.” Why would the Phantom want Christine to not trust what she hears and sees? How does he accomplish this? How does the history of the Opera Populaire’s construction help people believe the opera house is haunted? How does the Phantom use the building to his advantage? Was Mme. Giry “right” to save the Phantom from the carnival when he was a child? Or, is all of this her fault? What revenge does the Phantom seek? Who does he exact his revenge against? Is his anger (revenge) directed against the right person? Why or why not? The Phantom enslaves Christine through her mind by using he “angel of music” her father spoke of. How else does he use entrapment to keep people from acting out against him? Discussion Questions