The Phantom of the Opera

What structural features of the book create a blurred line between reality and fiction? How does Leroux’s narrator persona work to present the fictional text as truth? Use the text to support your answer.

Describe Christine’s complicated relationship with Erik. Why does Christine feel bound to obey him and return to him even though she is afraid of him? How does Erik manipulate Christine to keep her obedient? Use passages from the text to support your views.

In the Epilogue, the narrator asserts that the reader should pity Erik. How is Erik a tragic figure? How does the text attempt to humanize “the monster” and his goals of a normal life? Cite quotations from the novel to illustrate your argument.