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Who was at the grave at the end of Phantom of the Opera?

Published in Phantom of the Opera Plot 3 mins read

At the very end of The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film), the elderly Raoul was physically present at Christine Daaé's grave, where he discovered symbolic items left by the Phantom.

Raoul's Final Visit

The closing scene of the film fast-forwards several decades to 1919. An elderly gentleman, revealed to be Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, is seen attending an auction at the Opéra Populaire, where he bids on Lot 665, the monkey music box. He successfully acquires it.

Following the auction, Raoul makes a poignant visit to Christine Daaé's grave, which is marked by a statue of an angel and inscribed with her name and the years of her life (1864-1917). It is here that he leaves the cherished monkey music box on her tombstone. This act signifies his enduring love and remembrance for Christine.

The Phantom's Enduring Presence

As Raoul gazes at Christine's grave, he notices that someone else has been there before him. Lying next to the music box he placed, he discovers two significant items:

  • A single, fresh red rose tied with a black ribbon. This is the Phantom's unmistakable trademark, a symbol he frequently left for Christine throughout the story.
  • The engagement ring that the Phantom had given to Christine.

These items clearly indicate that the Phantom, despite his disappearance from the Opéra many years prior, had also visited Christine's grave. While not physically present at the exact moment Raoul was there, his enduring love and presence are powerfully conveyed through these symbolic gifts.

Symbolism of the Items Left

The items left at Christine's grave serve as potent symbols of the complex relationships and enduring affections portrayed in the story:

  • Raoul's Monkey Music Box: Represents his innocent love, their shared past, and his desire to bring a piece of their history back to Christine.
  • The Phantom's Rose: A signature of his artistic genius, his possessive yet profound love, and his continued vigilance over Christine, even in death. The black ribbon further emphasizes the tragic and dark nature of their connection.
  • The Phantom's Ring: Symbolizes the deep, albeit often troubled, bond between the Phantom and Christine. Its presence signifies his unending devotion and the powerful claim he felt over her heart and soul.

The final scene underscores the lasting impact Christine had on both men, and how their love for her transcended time, ultimately culminating in their shared remembrance at her final resting place.

Character Presence at Grave Actions/Items Left Significance
Raoul Physically present Places the monkey music box; discovers items from the Phantom Enduring love, remembrance, connection to shared past
The Phantom Symbolic (visited prior) Left a red rose with a black ribbon; left Christine's ring Unending devotion, continued presence, tragic love

For more details on the plot, you can refer to the Phantom of the Opera (2004 film) on Wikipedia.