Name: ____________________________
Block:______
gothic story
The phantom of the opera (141 minutes, 2h 21m)
The Phantom of the Opera, that we are about to watch in film, is based on the French novel of the
same name by Gaston Leroux. Both the novel and the movie are examples of a specific type of
storytelling known as “Gothic Literature”. What do we mean by Gothic Literature? Let’s find out…
Context: Literature often is a reflection of the times in which it is written. Gothic
literature is no different. Beginning in 1764 and taking root during the Industrial
Revolution and beyond, Gothic literature explores the social changes and anxieties of
these changing times. Old, familiar ways of life were giving way with the rapid
advancement of science and technology. Social structures were challenged as more
and more people left the countryside and moved into crime-infested cities. With the
emergence of the middle class, the roles of women changed. They became more
centered on the home, dependent upon their husbands. Women were thought to be
inferior to men who were considered to be the heads of households and the sole
property owners. Gothic literature rose up from this social climate as a rebellion
against these changes. It is the genre of fear—of the mysterious and unknown—the
collapse of the old ways—and controlling male dominance. It mingles romance,
terror, mystery and tragedy, and it can be characterized by the following common
elements…

Setting in a castle (or other place that is characterized by
abandonment or decay.) The setting is vital to establishing the dark
mood of the Gothic story. It is often in a castle or other place that has
fallen into ruin, abandonment, or decay. It may have trap doors,
hidden passageways, or dark hallways. The setting often brings with it
terror and fear. It suggests that what was once a beautiful place full of
life has now deteriorated into decline and death.

There is an
fear.
atmosphere of suspense, mystery,
The story has a dark or even threatening element of fear.
Sometimes there are ghosts. Strange events may occur without logical
explanations for them filling people with terror. Sometimes there is an
ancient “curse” or “prophesy” that plays a role in the story. There may
be long buried secrets, madness, or ghostly body doubles or
doppelgangers.
 Damsels in distress, threatened by a powerful,
impulsive, harsh—or even cruel man (Gothic Villian).
o
o
o
o

The female character is often lonely and troubled.
She may have a tendency to faint and cry.
She may be an orphan and vulnerable.
She is frequently threatened in some manner, sometimes by a
powerful male character. He might be the “lord of the castle,” or a
father figure who demands that she marry someone she doesn’t
love.
Elements of extreme scenery:
Adding to the mystery is the
extreme scenery often harsh winds, barren landscape, dense forests,
heavy fog, rugged mountains, and stormy and cold weather, and dim
landscapes lit only by moonlight, flickering candles, shadows, and even
wandering labyrinths.

Elements of Romance:
Gothic literature also frequently mingles
darkness and terror with romance. There may be a male protagonist
(Gothic Hero) who tries to rescue the woman in distress. This powerful
element of love is often challenged or under stress. Often lovers are
parted for some reason.
Your Task(s):
 Attentively watch the film the Phantom of the Opera keeping
in mind the elements of Gothic Literature.
 Use your viewing notes to complete the organizer.
Gothic Story Elements
Setting

Describe the aspects
of setting that relate
to a Gothic story. Be
specific.
Atmosphere of
suspense/
Mystery

Where are the
moments of greatest
suspense?

Where/when are the
characters afraid,
possibly by events
they can’t explain?
Gothic Villain

How is the villain
cursed or isolated?

Does he do it to
himself? Does society
isolate him? Both?
Why? Explain?

What are his most
noticeable character
traits? Support with
details.

When/ why/ where
does he show evil or
love?

In what way is the
villain a complicated
character.
Women in Distress

In what ways is the
female character
vulnerable?

When and where is
she in danger?

What demands are
made of her? How
does she respond to
them? Why?

How/when/where is
a male character
cruel or threatening?

How is she held
under his power?
Romance

How/ in what ways
does the story mingle
romance with the
horror?

Who are the lovers?
What is their
relationship? How is
it challenged?

How is the love in
the film complicated?

How does the story
mix romance and
terror? Why does it
matter? How is it
important?
Elements of
Extreme Scenery

Which elements of
extreme scenery
does the film make
use of?

How do they add to
the feeling of
mystery?