In the Phantom of the Opera, do you think the Phantom was only in her mind?

Question:He gives an allusion to this several times,

Flattering child,
you shall know me,
see why in shadow
I hide!
Look at your face
in the mirror -
I am there
inside!

If she is to look in the mirror it is supposed she could only see herself. My idea is that it was all in her mind.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: He gives an allusion to this several times,

Flattering child,
you shall know me,
see why in shadow
I hide!
Look at your face
in the mirror -
I am there
inside!

If she is to look in the mirror it is supposed she could only see herself. My idea is that it was all in her mind.

Of course, you are referring to the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, and not the book, nor the other renditions of the story. Personally... I have watched the movie about, oh, a ZILLION times, and I cry every time! WHAT A SAP! ANYWAY...

The word "Phantom" means a ghost, a shadow, an "impression." And you are correct, several times, the suggestion is made that the phantom is in her mind. But I do not feel the reference means that the phantom is imaginary or illusionary in her mind. Rather that he "dwells within" her mind, he is part and parcel of her being.

Further along in the song, as they go into his "lair," he sings about their strange "partnership," his music, her voice, his words, her face... and so on. They dwell together yet separately, but that she cannot get him out of her mind or life, he will live inside of her forever. This is how he is alive. Clearly, reference is made that she is the face that everyone can "see" but he is her soul.

<wyomugs tears up... thinking about the trio at the end of the movie... what wonderful harmonies and intricacies of song!!!>

Have an "artsy" day.

If you read the original book you will see that he very much a real person. He has a history, a life behind his mask.

I never thought about that. I guess i always assumed that he was a real person. Hmmmm....

I think yes and no. yes b/c he was clearly a threat...hello! the chandelier!
no b/c i think he was a figment of her imagination making up for the loss of her deceased father. she had no father figure, and the Phantom was that figure...intriguing question...
"the Phantom of the Opera is there...inside my mind..."

No, he was real, Look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside. .....He loved her so much he felt they were one, but as you know she was ready to give up her life for the one she truly loved. It also makes you realize , you cannot hide tn shadows, no matter what your challange is. Evie