# Endnotes explained — The Phantom of the Opera

> Chapter companion for The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.

## What happens

The endnotes provide additional context and commentary from the author, including anecdotes from M. Pedro Gailhard, explanations about the Opera's construction and operations, and clarifications about the Persian's narrative and Erik's fate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

The author withholds the full identity of the cloaked shade, keeping a secret promised to M. Pedro Gailhard, and the Persian's narrative takes precautions against incredulity.

### Superstition and Rationality

The author notes that while events may seem abnormal, they will be normally explained, contrasting supernatural appearances with rational explanations.

## Character check-ins

### M. Pedro Gailhard

Former manager of the Opera; source of several anecdotes and secrets regarding the Opera's workings and the cloaked shade.

### The Persian

His papers and narrative are referenced; his secret about Erik and the daroga pension is mentioned.

### Erik

His fate and the score of Don Juan Triumphant are speculated upon; the Persian's interest in him is noted.

### Joseph Buquet

Mentioned in relation to the boots found near where he was hanged.

## Key lines

> I have the anecdote, which is quite authentic, from M. Pedro Gailhard himself, the late manager of the Opera.

The author confirms the authenticity of an anecdote from the former Opera manager, M. Pedro Gailhard.

_Establishes the credibility of the source for the anecdote._

> Like the Persian, I can give no further explanation touching the apparition of this shade.

The author, like the Persian, refuses to explain the apparition of the cloaked shade.

_Highlights the deliberate secrecy surrounding the shade's identity._

> All the water had to be exhausted, in the building of the Opera.

The Opera's construction required draining all the water from the site.

_Provides historical context about the Opera's construction challenges._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phantom_of_the_opera_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phantom_of_the_opera_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phantom_of_the_opera_se/chapters