The Phantom of the Opera

by Gaston Leroux

How infinitely satisfying to see pomposity pricked, duped, and humbled, especially when it is by the heard but unseen Opera ghost, whose existence they deny.

Like all of us, he longs above all else to be loved, and yet over and over again he is rejected.

How much are all of us deceived by sight?

Is it easier actually to be good when we are perceived to be good? How much of true character is portrayed in a young face?

The ghost is the best and the worst in all of us, he is all of us who have ever walked alone, and hated themselves, and longed for redemption.

We cried together! I have tasted all the happiness the world can offer!”