How To Build Tension In The Phantom Of The Opera

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In Gaston Leroux’s story, The Phantom of the Opera, Christine's attraction to both the Phantom and Raoul leads to turmoil and difficult decisions as shown through repetition when referring to both.
Firstly, on the roof of the Opera house, Christine tries to prove to Raoul that the Phantom of the Opera really exists. After expressing how terrifying her experience with him was, she, in a trance-like state, says “but his voice filled my spirit with a strange, sweet sound” (Leroux 38).
The author's use of alliteration shows a shift in Christine. Christine shifts from being terrified of the Phantom to being allured by the thought of just his voice. Through this line Christine's turmoil is evident. Despite her fear of the Phantom, part of her cannot …show more content…

The repetition of the word “one” shows Raoul and Christines’ devotion to one another. They no longer live as two people, they exist together as one. From the omniscient point of view, one can see that the Phantom of the Opera hears the whole exchange and gets enraged by it. Despite his efforts to win her over, Christine and Raoul sing this line again when finally escaping the Phantom's lair. The Phantom has no other choice but to listen and weep. This shows the power of love between Christine and Raoul as well as the Phantom's inability to change fate. At the end of the story, the Phantom forces Christine to either stay with him forever or watch as he kills Raoul. After realizing that his true disfigurement lies not in his face but in his soul she says “farewell my fallen idol and false friend . . . One by one I've watched illusions shattered” (Leroux 74). The author’s use of alliteration once again shows a shift in Christine. She no longer pities the Phantom and finally acts in her own best interest. At this moment Christine experiences catharsis and for the sake of Raoul promises her love to the Phantom with a kiss. The Phantom then experiences anagnorisis, realizing Christine does not truly love him, and he lets the two go. The author’s use of repetition emphasizes Christine’s realization and the reasoning behind her next

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