Phantom of the Opera, The

"The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux is a fictional novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers on the mysterious figure known as the Opera Ghost, who haunts the Paris Opera House and exerts influence over the opera singers, particularly the talented Christine Daaé. At the heart of the plot are Christine, a gifted singer protected by the ghost's presence, and Raoul, the Viscount de Chagny, who loves her passionately and becomes entwined in the ghost's enigmatic world. The beginning of "The Phantom of the Opera" introduces a tantalizing mystery through its prologue, which asserts that the ghost's existence is real, and the opening chapters that explore the vibrant atmosphere of the opera house. As the managers prepare for their retirement celebration, the ghost's ominous presence is felt, with frightened ballet dancers discussing strange occurrences and a tragic death linked to the ghost, that of Joseph Buquet. These elements foreshadow the turmoil surrounding Christine Daaé, who begins to withdraw from public life due to an inexplicable fear following a spectacular performance. Meanwhile, Raoul's affection for her adds to the narrative's tension. The stage is thus set for a Gothic tale of love, obsession, and the supernatural.