The Phantom of the Opera: Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

The next day, Raoul goes to ask Mme Valerius about what has happened. He is startled to see Christine by the old woman’s bedside. Refusing to answer both Raoul and confused Mme Valerius’s questions, Christine claims that the Angel of Music does not exist. However, Raoul tells Mme Valerius that Christine is under the influence of an impostor. Raoul then points to a ring that Christine is wearing and argues that she must be married. Upset by such insinuations, Christine simply says that the ring is a present.

Raoul then describes what he saw the previous night, focusing in particular on Christine’s enchantment at hearing the singing in her dressing-room, and asks her to give him the name of the man who was singing. However, Christine says she will never do so. She is angry to hear that Raoul believes she is foolish to love this man, who must be evil if he uses such means to keep her under his control. When Raoul finally reveals that he knows that man’s name is Erik, Christine cries out, telling Raoul that he is putting his own life at risk. She warns Raoul not to try to elucidate the mystery of “the Voice,” saying that it is unfathomably terrible.

This confession distresses Raoul, who falls silent. He agrees never to go to Christine’s dressing-room uninvited again, in exchange for occasional visits from Christine.