The Phantom of the Opera · Chapter
Mme. Giry’s Astounding Revelations as to Her Personal Relations with the Opera Ghost explained
The managers, Richard and Moncharmin, recount how the Opera Ghost successfully collected his first twenty-thousand franc payment through a clever scheme involving Mme.
What happens
The managers, Richard and Moncharmin, recount how the Opera Ghost successfully collected his first twenty-thousand franc payment through a clever scheme involving Mme. Giry, who unknowingly delivered the envelope to Box Five. The notes were later replaced with fake ones. For the second payment, they attempt to trap the ghost by having Mme. Giry slip the envelope into Richard's pocket during a performance. Mme. Giry reveals her belief in the ghost, who promised her daughter Meg would become empress, and her connection to M. Poligny. The chapter ends with Richard threatening to arrest her as a thief, leading to a chaotic scene where the envelope is opened and the notes scatter.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
The managers attempt to deceive the ghost by watching the envelope, while the ghost secretly replaces the notes with fakes; Mme. Giry unknowingly acts as an intermediary in the scheme.
Superstition and Rationality
Mme. Giry's blind faith in the ghost's promise that her daughter will become empress contrasts with the managers' rational attempts to expose the trick.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Mme. Giry, a lowly box-keeper, is manipulated by the ghost through promises of social advancement for her daughter, reflecting the power dynamics of the opera world.
Characters to notice
- M. Firmin Richard
One of the new managers; devises a plan to catch the ghost by having Mme. Giry slip the envelope into his pocket, but is later accused of being involved in the theft.
- Armand Moncharmin
The other new manager; skeptical and suspicious, he questions Mme. Giry and notes that he provided half the money but received nothing in return.
- Mame Giry
The box-keeper of Box Five; reveals her personal dealings with the Opera Ghost, including his promise that her daughter Meg would become empress, and demonstrates how she slips the envelope into Richard's pocket.
- Meg Giry
Mme. Giry's daughter; mentioned as the one the ghost promised would become empress, leading to her promotion to leader of a row.
- M. Poligny
Former manager; believed by Mme. Giry to have had secrets with the ghost and to have done whatever the ghost asked.
- M. Gabriel
Employee of the opera; present during the managers' surveillance of the envelope in Box Five.
- M. Mercier
Employee of the opera; present during the managers' surveillance of the envelope in Box Five.
- Erik
The Opera Ghost; orchestrates the payment scheme, communicates via notes, and is believed by Mme. Giry to have influence over M. Poligny.
Key passages
“The time has come to carry out the clause in the memorandum-book. Please put twenty notes of a thousand francs each into this envelope, seal it with your own seal and hand it to Mme. Giry, who will do what is necessary.”
The ghost demands the first payment of twenty thousand francs, instructing the managers to give the sealed envelope to Mme. Giry for delivery.
This note from the ghost initiates the payment scheme and establishes Mme. Giry's role as the intermediary.
“I am going to have you arrested, Mme. Giry, as a thief!”
Richard threatens to arrest Mme. Giry, accusing her of stealing the money.
This accusation leads to a confrontation where the envelope is opened and the notes scatter, revealing the ongoing deception.
