Now that I've posted those plot notes, I realize my inner-critique REALLY turns on when I know something is public, is semi-public, and under the scrutiny of others. All I can think of since I posted that is that maybe the chessboard is the blockiest, least sophisticated symbol for Erik's conspiracy to capture her mind, body, and soul, and I should be ashamed!

I mean, I had a couple other things in mind, like that Erik really wouldn't seem to be giving the game much thought - he would end up winning because Lily probably sucks at it, and I don't even think it brings him any amount of joy that he check-mated her She notices this, too, and is even more attracted by how effortlessly he stays clever and alert and decisive. Also, she would notice the way her epic loss has no effect on his immense respect for her, even while he expresses it at a distance and is careful not to speak of it too much. He sort of acts like a servant to her, walking her there, ushering her about the building, taking off/putting on her coat, etc. etc. etc.

I do feel there's something missing, though... Some clear sign that they have entered a pact, but I don't know what it would be. It's still a long time before he starts giving her gifts. I'm thinking that, once again, I must pick up The Phantom of the Opera and give it another read.

*sigh*

It would be interesting to see incorporated some adaptation suitable for this story of the deal Erik and Christine make in the book, after she's seen his face, after he's held her hostage for a couple of days in a room with no door from the inside. "I knew that if you saw what I really looked like," (this is not a real quote btw, this is me paraphrasing) "you would stop wanting to see me, you would stop visiting me again and again as you have." And of course, the classic (which IS a fairly direct quote, though the book isn't in front of me): "When a woman has seen me as you have, she belongs to me."

However, this is too far ahead in their relationship. I need to think of a smaller thing that Erik does which emphasizes the bond they forged before she ripped his mask off, when she was indeed attracted to him but could barely even admit it to herself. I mean there is some heavy stuff in that book! She has such a transcendental experience singing with him that she says she'd be content dying with his image and voice as the last things she experiences.

What's so ironic and weird about this is that she had to have some idea that he chloroformed her in order to get her through the tunnels in a non-hysterical state. Even if she can't remember, she lost pieces of time.

Anyway, gotta go to work.