Phantom of the Opera discussion

It was suggested that a good topic would be: What is the meaning behind the Phantom's mask? Is there a meaning? What does it symbolize to you?

What is or is there a meaning behind the rose. What did it symbolize to Erik or Christine?

You can discuss here if you think or know they did or didn't. If not then what would be your take on it if you wrote the book/play?

The mask...

Everyone wears a mask (metaphorically), and if you take off that mask it reveals the ugliness inside...and if you find someone you love, you can reveal what's behind the mask to them.

That is a interesting way to think of it for sure Emma.
But I think there might be more than just ugliness or in place of it as well another "flaw" if you will behind it as well?

Yes...a flaw of some sort. It doesn't have to be ugliness, if could be hate or anger...

The mask is a kind of cage, there to hide away not just physical ugliness but ugly emotions such as hate, possessiveness and jealousy. I guess the rose is supposed to represent romantic love and sensuality - if I had done the play then I would have had scenes with the Phantom and Christine with dark red and black roses for burning passion and pastel coloured roses for Christine and Raoul for a more soft hearted love between two friends :) Although, wouldn't it be cool if the Phantom wore a day of the dead mask?

Wow. I love that idea. That's just so great...

Hmm... I guess that could be cool! He could wear a kind of sombrero sort of hat with it too! That is literally the picture that comes to my head when I picture Erik with a Day of the Dead mask.
Good idea!!

Ian wrote: "Hmm... I guess that could be cool! He could wear a kind of sombrero sort of hat with it too! That is literally the picture that comes to my head when I picture Erik with a Day of the Dead mask.
Goo..."

:D Now I have that image in my head as well!
When I think of hats/headwear for the Phantom of the Opera though, I tend to picture something more fantasy style. I think I would go for a circlet of roses for Christine, a crown of rose thorns for Erik, and the leaves for Raoul.

I wonder if you could integrate the mask and the headwear together, so it wouldn't really look like Erik was trying to hide something, because then he probably wouldn't have to worry about people wondering what's under the mask.