Inviting Christine to supper

[igenlode]

One of the standard things Raoul gets bashed for, when people are trying to justify why they resent his existence, is that he is apparently disrespectful/condescending for not taking 'No' for an answer when he invites Christine out to supper after their reunion -- she says she doesn't want to go, and he doesn't listen but rushes off to get his outdoor clothes while leaving her to get into hers. (As an aside, it occurs to me here for the first time that "I must get my hat" effectively acts as a tactful way of removing himself from the room so that Christine can get changed in privacy!)

While I think that (contrary to the scenario I chose to explore for the purposes of There is No Phantom of the Opera) Raoul does come to the dressing-room powerfully attracted to Christine rather than as a platonic reunion of old friends, I don't think the invitation to dinner is intended as a message of seduction; I'd read his motives as being genuinely those represented in that story, a desire to take her out to celebrate and for the chance to catch up on old news. After all, the management aren't exactly laying on a party for her, and she richly deserves one -- at least in his eyes!( Read more... )