Christine's Pity for Erik

The emotional bond of compassion that Christine feels for the monster, despite her fear.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Sight of the Face

The First Sight of the Face The Unmasking Christine tears off Erik's mask. She sees his death's head. She is horrified and screams. But she also sees his tears. Her fear mingles with pity. The Tears of the Monster Erik cries like a child. He tells her about his mother, his loneliness, his ugliness. Christine's heart softens. She cannot hate him. The Lie of Love Christine pretends to love him to gain her freedom. She feels guilty for deceiving him. But she also feels a genuine compassion for his suffering.

The Final Act of Mercy

The Final Act of Mercy The Kiss Before leaving, Christine kisses Erik's forehead. It is not a kiss of love, but of pity. She thanks him for sparing Raoul. She shows him kindness. The Effect on Erik This kiss is more powerful than any threat. It transforms Erik. He weeps and releases her. He says he has never received such a gift. The Promise Kept Christine promises to bury him with the gold ring. She keeps that promise. Her pity extends beyond death. She is the only person who ever showed Erik compassion.

during her first captivity

the night of the abduction