Discuss whether the Phantom is a romantic figure or a monster -- or both. What are the appealing aspects of his nature that draw Christine towards him? Did the book's author intend to make the Phantom a mixture of good and bad, but ultimately prove that it was circumstances that made him become the man he was? Discuss, also, how much of the perception of the Phantom is related to the fact that he is disfigured, and how big a part superficial prejudice plays in how we perceive him.
Create a "Phantom of the Opera" mask out of cardboard. Use the imagery in the book and from the film and stage adaptations as guidelines. The masks shouldn't be copies, but should be novel creations. The mask can be designed to cover all or only part of the face. Use different colors and unique designs on the mask; it should have a powerful and fearsome impact. Pierce two holes, one on the extreme left and one on the extreme right, on the front of the mask. These holes should be used for threading string or elastic cord. This will enable the mask to be worn securely.
Analyze the music from Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical about the Phantom, either from a CD or DVD. Listen to all the songs and write down individual ratings from one to 10. Discuss which songs really bring out the power of the story, and which don't. Also decide whether the musical is more, or less, likely to make someone want to read the book. Discuss, finally, whether the musical is true to the spirit of the book overall.
Draw and then paint one of the principal characters from '"The Phantom of the Opera" using watercolors. The image should be an accurate representation of the character, but there should also be an accurate, but heavy, emphasis on the gloomy nature of the story. The background to the main image should be the opera cellars in which the Phantom lurked. Use reds and blacks as background colors, which will convey both the passionate and dark nature of the story.