They can represent moments of parting or re-unions after long periods of separation. Whatever they represent, these duets are rife with the characters' emotions. It's a beautiful, warm moment in the story when two teen age girls realize that they are destined to be friends forever, no matter what may come their way. This duet is a sharing of affection for one another between the flambuoyant Mame and her little nephew, Patrick. Although not traditionally a duet of two lovers' feelings,it's still a touching example of a 'love duet'.
Many musicals have intense, emotional moments best represented with music.
Often, the lovers are facing obstacles ranging from forbidden love to having fallen in love with someone already involved with someone else. Other duets convey the pure joy of two whose hearts are joined as one. Whatever feelings are portrayed in these songs, they contain beautiful music and passionate lyrics that share the characters' deepest feelings with the audience. Each woman has deep feelings regarding her relationship and this duet manages to evoke empathy for both characters, although they do not sing of a love for one another, but rather, a mutual love interest. Christine's true heart is Raoul but it is the Phantom who has designs on her and his temptations are difficult to resist.