teachmetoanimate:

i accidentally stayed up all night engrossed in the original book of “Phantom of The Opera”, which was fascinating just from comparing it to the musical versions

but also in the way that i always forget how old timey books was so unashamed in males actually showing emotions!!!!

for example, Raoul cries. A lot. He is very sensitive young boy who is, in his own words, ‘new to love’, and he must be protected

also, it turns out Raoul had an older brother (!) And their relationship is just. adorable. at one point the whole Christine-affair has Raoul so distraught he returns home and crying falls into his twenty year older brothers arms which is just aw

aLSO there’s the character of ‘The Persian’, don’t even get me started, who has a very complicated relationship with Erik (oh yeah; that’s the Phantom. He’s hardly referred to anything other than Erik and he likes to speak in third person; it’s precious. ‘dON’T INSIGHT THE WRATH OF ERIK’ hahha sure erik)

anywho the persian, he has this cute companionship with Raoul AND I JUST NEED TO MENTION

There’s this one part when they’re gonna sneak into Erik’s lair (a house by an underground lake btw), and they’re gonna drop into a room from a hatch in the ceiling.

I present to you; the words of Raoul the man himself.

“I (the Persian) am going to hang by my hands from the edge of the stone and let myself drop INTO HIS HOUSE. You must do exactly the same. Do not be afraid. I will catch you in my arms.“ 

Raoul soon heard a dull sound, evidently produced by the fall of the Persian, and then dropped down. 

He felt himself clasped in the Persian’s arms. 

“Hush!” said the Persian.

And they stood motionless, listening.“

THERE IS NEVER A MENTION OF THE PERSIAN EVER LETTING RAOUL DOWN.

… then there’s some shit about them being in a torture chamber but that’s not relevant 

this was the best thing i’ve ever done

and to leave you with something even better;

The Phantom of the Opera, The Opera Ghost himself, consistently calls the Persian;

‘You great booby’.

That is all