*minor spoilers. If you're not acquainted with the story, read at your own risk*
If you've been ranking THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as "one-of-these-classic-french-books", you're doing a big mistake. Not that it doesn't deserve to beat father time (because it absolutely does), but because it's a groundbreaking novel that challenged the way authors wrote literature back then. Sure, there are influences of Poe and Dumas, but there is so much original material to THE PHANTOM that it will keep your brain busy and your soul far from the shores of boredom.
If you've been ranking THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as "one-of-these-classic-french-books", you're doing a big mistake. Not that it doesn't deserve to beat father time (because it absolutely does), but because it's a groundbreaking novel that challenged the way authors wrote literature back then. Sure, there are influences of Poe and Dumas, but there is so much original material to THE PHANTOM that it will keep your brain busy and your soul far from the shores of boredom.
It's funny, because the game seemed rigged against THE PHANTOM from the start. It went out of print several times, it's been called the work of a hack writer and it's been on the edge of oblivion more than one time. What really cemented its legacy (or who I say who), is that it crossed path with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wrote in 1986 a musical adaptation for the stage, which propelled the characters to pop culture icons status. Do you need to read the novel if you've watched the musical? Absolutely. Both tell the same story, in a very different way. Webber streamlined perfectly a story whose full scoped could only be seized in a novel.
THREE REASONS TO READ: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
1) Genre fiction originates from Gothic fiction. There was Poe, then there was Chandler, Hammett, Lovecraft, etc, but the missing link is Leroux. There are so many ideas in this book related to detective fiction, urban fantasy, thriller, pulp fiction, etc. Historically speaking, it's an important piece. One that makes you understand the contemporary state of literature.
2) You want to know the true story behind the phantom? Read the novel. You won't get everything from the stage play. It will hint you at the truth, but only in the novel, it is fully explained. And it's pretty darn cool. You don't want to miss out on this. Do you?
3) Because it will look good in your bookshelf and it's actually and easy and not intimidating. It gets carried away with drama and romance, because it's from an era where art was a spectacle that wanted you to forget your harsh reality for a few hours. Easy on symbolism and language aerobics, an all-around piece of entertainment.
THREE TOPICS ABOUT: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
1) Do you think standout artists need a dark place to draw inspiration from, like Christine did? Is art fueled by pain and darker feelings?
2) Why do you think Christine, a dedicated Opera singer, has chosen tangible tenderness over the transcending passion she was offered? What would you chose and why?
3) How would you classify THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as a novel? Romance? Gothic? Mystery? Would you say it transcend any of that? Elaborate on your answer.
2) Why do you think Christine, a dedicated Opera singer, has chosen tangible tenderness over the transcending passion she was offered? What would you chose and why?
3) How would you classify THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as a novel? Romance? Gothic? Mystery? Would you say it transcend any of that? Elaborate on your answer.