The Phantom of the Opera · Chapter
II: The New Margarita explained
Christine Daaé gives a triumphant performance at a gala, singing the role of Margarita in Faust and astonishing the audience.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the moment when Erik’s paranoia and rage peak, directly thr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
