Raoul or Erik...Who would you choose??

So for those of us who have read The Phantom of the Opera, we know Christine was in a tough spot when she had to choose between Raoul and Erik, the two men that loved her very much. So my question is...if you were in Christine's position, who would you choose and why?? **from the original novel**



and please no "I would choose Erik because he's sexy!" posts


Have Fun!

tough... Erik, but...it depends what version...for example, the origonal was (no offence) down right creepy, but the musical, both movie and stage, focus on his romantic sise.

If we are talking about characters from the original novel, then Raoul. Why, because he's sane, loving and dependable. As much as I feel sorry for Erik, he was insane and murderous. It would be very scary and difficult to deal with a person with so many issues and a violent temper.

Thoughts anyone?

I agree, Erik was frightening in many ways and was upset very easily by little things like when Christine took his bag she said he hurt her in order to retrieve it. I don't think it would be enjoyable to live in the cellars of an opera-house either...

even as much i want to say erik,i don`t think it would have worked out very well.with his issues, he`s not an easy person to be around. so i must honestly say i would have chosen raoul.

Don't feel bad saying Raoul, I think anyone with the sense to stop and think for a little while would choose him. I don't think your fate would be very pretty if your spent your days with Erik.

uh....Erik! Is there something wrong with me? that I would choose the deformed freak behind a mask that covers his whole face over the rich Viscount?
Sure he gets violent when he gets angery but as long as you don't make him mad, and stay out of his fists, and his rope, it would be better than the self-obessed prettyboy.

We have, of course, discussed this matter before, but I stand by what I said about Raoul. We have to look at things through Christine's eyes before we say "ooooh Erik!! I feel sooooo bad for him!!"

#1: Erik manipulated Christine into thinking he was an angel
#2: Erik was very violent, and she was afraid of him, I wouldn't exactly call it a "relationship" when you spend all of you time staying out of your "lover's" way
#3: How did Raoul show he was self-obsessed? He risked his life trying to find and save Christine so could you possibly be getting confused with the Raoul portrayed in the films?


Sorry, I'm not trying to insult anyone as I do respect other people's opinions, but I'm trying to look through Christine's eyes.

Remember, some people only think of Erik as Gerry Butler from the 2004 musical film. They aren't thinking Leroux's skelatal one who sleeps in a coffin, kills whoever gets in his way, and acts looney as a tune.

So, from now on, whenever someone says they want Erik or Raoul, specify which one, Leroux's Erik or Raoul, or the musical film. It could even be the stage version or from another film version. Maybe Robert Englund...there's something to shudder by...

ok...Erik... ALW stage version, or the Yeston/kopit musical version! and I loved the "looney as a tune" thing!

I'm new but I would choose Erik. He is a tortored soul that has had no love in his life and he just wants to be like everyone else. And loved for who he is.

The Erik we are talking about is specified, it says **from the original novel** on my first post.... i too feel bad for Erik, but I still stand by Raoul.

There is also another novel based on the original novel called "Phantom" by: Susan Kay. You really get inside his head and it is very emotional.

Yes, but Phantom is a fan fiction. Therefore, we have no idea what the real Erik was actually feeling.

It depends on what version we are talking about. The Leroux novel, 1925 version, Herbert Lom, 1989, 1998, etc I would chose Raoul. The 2004, Charles Dance, Susan Kay, etc I would chose Erik.

It says from the original novel on the original post

Well I'm sorry I misread it.

Thankyou for discouraging me from posting here.

How is pointing out something discouraging you from posting?

If you read the first post, the origninator of this thread is talking about Leroux's novel. Only Raoul and Erik from the original.

snowmoccasin wrote:

How is pointing out something discouraging you from posting?

Maybe it was the unnecessary rolling of the eyes?

Rolling eyes are awsome why are youy offened by simple sarcastic emotacons!

They are only awesome when you're doing the rolling. Which is usually me so I'm not used to it.

And I wasn't actually offended. I was being sarcastic myself when I said 'thank you for discouraging me'. I was being sarcastic back to him/her for being sarcastic towards me. I then posted another sarcastic remark with my own rolling eyes.

Basically sarcasm is a second language for me.

Do I detect tention? please don't find on my forum...

Ooh... I'm not used to sarcasm being directed back at me

Were you talking to me?