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Similes
Key Examples in The Phantom of the Opera
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:
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:
