The Mirror

In 'The Mirror' by Fantasma da Ópera, the lyrics delve into the complex and haunting relationship between Christine and the Phantom. The song opens with the Phantom's disdainful remarks towards Raoul, whom he sees as an 'insolent boy' and a 'slave of fashion.' This sets the stage for the Phantom's possessive and controlling nature, as he feels threatened by Raoul's presence and the affection Christine has for him. The Phantom's words are laced with jealousy and a sense of superiority, highlighting his deep-seated insecurities and his need to dominate Christine's affections.

Christine's response to the Phantom is one of reverence and submission. She addresses him as 'Angel' and 'master,' indicating her belief in his supernatural guidance and her willingness to be led by him. This dynamic showcases Christine's vulnerability and her internal struggle between her own desires and the Phantom's manipulative influence. Her plea for forgiveness and her request for the Phantom to 'enter at last' reveal her conflicted emotions and her yearning for a sense of direction and purpose, which she believes the Phantom can provide.

The recurring motif of the mirror in the song symbolizes self-reflection and the duality of identity. When the Phantom urges Christine to 'look at your face in the mirror,' he is not only asking her to see him but also to confront her own fears and insecurities. The mirror serves as a metaphor for the hidden aspects of oneself that are often masked by societal expectations and personal doubts. The Phantom's declaration that he is 'inside' the mirror suggests that he represents a part of Christine's psyche that she must acknowledge and reconcile with. This interplay between the characters and the symbolic use of the mirror create a rich tapestry of themes related to identity, control, and the search for self-understanding.