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Imagery
Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Key Examples in The Phantom of the Opera
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Carlotta's Sabotage:
Carlotta thinks she will sabotage the superlatively-talented Christine, but she is really setting herself up to become a target for the Phantom's anger. In Chapter 8, when Erik becomes displeased by Carlotta's emotionless voice, he completely ruins her performance:
No one could have predicted anything like this. Carlotta was still unable to believe what her throat and her ears had told her. The crack of a thunderbolt would not have startled her as much as that hoarse croak springing out of her mouth; and thunder would not have caused her downfall. Whereas a toad crouched on a singer’s tongue will inevitably ruin her. Some have even died from it.
Related Themes:
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Masking:
Erik resents his compulsory mask-wearing, but he is far less masked than the other metaphorically-masked characters. One example of masked feelings includes Christine's bogus engagement to Raoul. In Chapter 12, Christine suggests a "secret marriage" that will last only one month:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"But if we cannot be married, we can become engaged! No one but us will know. There have been plenty of secret marriages! Why not a secret betrothal? Let us become engaged, Raoul, for a month! In a month’s time, you will sail away and the memory of that month will keep me happy for the rest of my days!" She was overjoyed by this prospect. Then she became serious again and added: "This happiness will hurt no one."
Related Themes:
Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis—Appearance vs. Behavior:
Ironically, Erik's conduct (not his appearance) causes people to hate and fear him. He believes that his face scares people above anything else, but his behavior is what scares them. This becomes clear as Christine talks about her fear of his acts of "insane love" even as she is able to show sympathy for Erik's extreme physical imperfection. For example, in Chapter 27, Christine is able to look beyond Erik's disfigured face and recognize his humanity:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I [Erik] tore off my mask so as not to lose one of those falling tears … and she did not turn away! She did not die! She stood there, weeping over me, weeping with me. We cried together! Almighty God, you have granted me all the happiness a man could ever wish for!
Related Themes:
Chapter 27
Explanation and Analysis—Appearance vs. Behavior:
Ironically, Erik's conduct (not his appearance) causes people to hate and fear him. He believes that his face scares people above anything else, but his behavior is what scares them. This becomes clear as Christine talks about her fear of his acts of "insane love" even as she is able to show sympathy for Erik's extreme physical imperfection. For example, in Chapter 27, Christine is able to look beyond Erik's disfigured face and recognize his humanity:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I [Erik] tore off my mask so as not to lose one of those falling tears … and she did not turn away! She did not die! She stood there, weeping over me, weeping with me. We cried together! Almighty God, you have granted me all the happiness a man could ever wish for!
Related Themes:
