Love vs. Duty

The theme of characters torn between personal desire and moral obligation.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Christine's Dilemma

Christine's Dilemma The Promise to the Voice Christine promised the Voice she would not love anyone else. She feels a duty to the Voice, which she believes is the Angel of Music. The Love for Raoul Her heart belongs to Raoul. She is torn between her duty to the Voice and her love for Raoul. She tries to reconcile them, but fails. The Ultimate Choice In the end, she chooses love. But she fulfills her duty to Erik by pitying him and burying him. The theme of love vs. duty is resolved through compassion.

Raoul's Duty to His Family

Raoul's Duty to His Family The Family Expectation Raoul is expected to marry a woman of his station. His brother Philippe opposes his love for Christine. Raoul must choose between family duty and love. The Defiance Raoul chooses love. He defies his brother and prepares to elope. This choice leads to Philippe's death. The Guilt After Philippe's death, Raoul is consumed by guilt. He must live with the consequences of his choice. The theme of love vs. duty has a tragic outcome.

during her captivity

before the elopement