M.Butterfly is a play which describes a relationship between Mr.Gallimard, a French diplomat, and Song, a Chinese actress and opera singer. At first glance it might be perceived as a case of mistaken identity. However, this play goes much deeper. Mr.Gallimard seems to seek a new identity and in the process becomes a traitor. One can speculate on whether Mr.Gallimard knew that Song was a woman or not but, in my opinion, it is irrelevant. Mr.Gallimard fell in love with Song for two main reasons; his obvious lack of self confidence, and his, as a westerner, ideal of love and racial stereotype.
We are first exposed to his lack of self confidence early in the play when he discusses with Marc in act one, scene four his lack of interest in women and that he rather stay home then go to Marseille where " ....they come. On trucks. Packed in like sardines. The back flips open, babes hop out, we're ready to roll."(8). Gallimard responses “I’m afraid they'll say no."(8) Many years later,......
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Approximate Word Count: 839
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |