The Phantom of the Opera, written by Gaston Leroux, was first published today in writing history, September 23. The tale would find long-lasting success. Over the last century, it has been successfully adapted to both stage and film. Aspiring writers should take notes on Leroux’s versatile narrative. Look for inspiration today in writing history.

Today in Writing: September 23: The Phantom of the Opera is Published 

The Phantom of the Opera was first published on September 23. It was the initial part of a serial that would run in the French newspaper Le Gaulois until January 8, 1910. The author, Gaston Leroux, was a journalist who was already known for authoring crime novels. Several elements of the story drew from actual experience.

Gaston Leroux Biography

Gaston Leroux was born in Paris, France, on May 6, 1868. He had initially studied to be a lawyer. However, his extravagance forced him to work as a journalist to pay his debts. Leroux succeeded as a writer and would eventually pen a series of crime novels.

Leroux was influenced by literary greats of suspense and mystery: Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Because of the success of his novels, Gaston Leroux is considered their parallel in French literature. The Mystery of the Yellow Room, published in 1907, is another acclaimed mystery novel from Leroux. Still, he is best know for The Phantom of the Opera. 

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera (Le Fantôme de l’Opéra) was first published in Le Gaulois on September 23, 1909. It was a serialized story that would be told in parts through later issues of the paper. The narrative concluded on January 8, 1910. It would be collected and published as a novel the following year.

Leroux’s story gained popularity over the next decade. The rising film industry quickly adapted The Phantom of the Opera for the screen. A German silent film, that has since been lost, was the first to adapt Gaston Leroux’s novel for the big screen in 1916. Universal Studios would release its version in 1925.  

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical in the history of Broadway. First performed on Broadway in 1988, the production has grown to be performed worldwide. Millions of people have seen Leroux’s adapted work, and it has earned billions of dollars over the course of its run.

Real-Life Influences in The Phantom of the Opera

While it is not based on a true story, there are several real-life events and influences within the text of The Phantom of the Opera. Gaston Leroux’s background as a journalist may have helped him report the facts to author his novel. A good horror story should always be based on some truth to help ground the narrative and make it more impactful for a reader. Here are the actual events in Leroux’s novel.

The Palais Garnier Exists

The famed Opera House from The Phantom of the Opera, Palais Garnier, is a true landmark in Paris, France. Construction ran from 1861 to 1875, a major plot point of Leroux’s novel. Gaston Leroux helped make the Palais Garnier into a famous cultural landmark, perhaps one of the most renowned opera houses in the world.

A Chandelier Fell

One of the more famous scenes in Leroux’s tale is when one of the chandeliers in the Palais Garnier falls into the crowd. That event happened in 1896. A wire holding one of the massive lights broke, crashing into the audience below. Several opera-goers were injured, and a woman did die. This event played an enormous role in inspiring Gaston Leroux to write The Phantom.

Ghost Stories Whispered

Tales of a ghost that haunted the Palais Garnier were whispered around Paris. Upon hearing these stories and the chandelier incident, Gaston Leroux was inspired to write his story. The Phantom of the Opera is the story of a phantom that harasses an opera company in the Palais Garnier. While the spirit does not turn out to be an apparition, Leroux’s novel has become an enduring gothic tale.

8 Phantom of the Opera Novel Quotes

1. If I am the phantom, it is because man’s hatred has made me so. If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me.

2. Erik is not truly dead. He lives on within the souls of those who choose to listen to the music of the night.

3. He had a heart that could have held the entire empire of the world; and, in the end, he had to content himself with a cellar.

4. You are crying! You are afraid of me! And yet I am not really wicked. Love me and you shall see! All I wanted was to be loved for myself.

5. Blood!…Blood!… That’s a good thing! A ghost who bleeds is less dangerous!

6. Why do you condemn a man whom you have never met, whom no one knows and about whom even you yourself know nothing

7. She’s singing to-night to bring the chandelier down!

8. Our lives are one masked ball.

Today in Writing: September 23 – Aspiring Writers Daily Writing Exercise

Do any of the stories from The Phantom of the Opera inspire you? Are any of the quotes from this story sticking with you? What ideas does Leroux’s approach to writing give you for your own? 

Find a topic from Today in Writing: September 23 and freewrite about it for 10 minutes. The Phantom of the Opera was published as a serial story in a French newspaper but has become one of history’s most well-known and longest-running theater productions. 

Don’t let any opportunity to write go to waste. Aspiring writers: Practice your writing today! Celebrate Today in Writing History September 23.