# II: The New Margarita explained — The Phantom of the Opera

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

## What happens

Christine Daaé gives a triumphant performance at a gala, singing the role of Margarita in Faust and astonishing the audience. After fainting, she is carried to her dressing room, where Raoul de Chagny, recognizing her as the girl he once rescued, declares his love. He overhears a mysterious man's voice in her room commanding her love, but when he investigates, the room is empty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Possession

Raoul's intense jealousy and the mysterious man's command 'Christine, you must love me!' illustrate possessive love.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Christine's hidden genius is revealed, contrasting her previous modest performances with her sudden triumph.

### Deception and Secrecy

The mystery of Christine's voice teacher and the hidden man in her dressing room underscore themes of secrecy.

## Character check-ins

### Raoul de Chagny

Visits Christine's dressing room after her performance, declares his love, and overhears a mysterious man's voice.

### Christine Daaé

Sings a triumphant Margarita in Faust, faints, and is attended to in her dressing room; she speaks with a mysterious voice.

### Comte de Chagny

Observes Raoul's agitation, follows him to the stage, and later applauds Christine's performance.

### La Sorelli

Meets the Comte de Chagny on the stairs and is involved in the ballet troop's movements.

### Meg Giry

Mentions the hanging of Joseph Buquet and speaks with the Comte de Chagny.

### Erik

Implied as the mysterious man's voice in Christine's dressing room, commanding her love.

## Key lines

> Christine, you must love me!

The mysterious voice commands Christine to love him.

_Reveals Erik's possessive demand for Christine's affection._

> When I sing only for you!

Christine insists her singing is dedicated solely to the voice.

_Shows Christine's devotion to her mysterious mentor._

> I am the little boy who went into the sea to rescue your scarf.

Raoul reminds Christine of their childhood encounter when he saved her scarf.

_Establishes Raoul's long-standing connection to Christine._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phantom_of_the_opera_se/chapters/ii-the-new-margarita
- 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