Friday, February 2, 2018

M. Butterfly - Act 2 Scenes 6,7, and 8 Analysis/Breakdown


Many interesting and subtle events happen in scenes 6,7, and 8. One of these is Gallimard's demand/request to see Song strip naked. The significance of this is that Gallimard thrives on Song being submissive to him. Gallimard finds satisfaction in telling her what to do, such is the case with asking her to strip. He wants to control Song, as he finds pleasure in telling her what to do. Song fits the description of being a "submissive Oriental" in Gallimard's head. When Gallimard leaves the reception, during his encounter with Toulon, he is feeling over- confident. He feels this way because of his relationship with Song. Since he has successfully managed to control an Oriental woman, he feels superior and as if he can do anything. He agrees with the plan to assassinate Diem; however, he doesn't really think this through. He doesn't look at all possible outcomes of what can happen. After speaking with Toulon, he is angry at the fact that Toulon won't stand by his side if the assassination doesn't go as planned. The reasons Gallimard gives for wanting to see Song strip naked are that it would help fix their problem. The problem being that men grow tired of women, even beautiful ones. She reacts by saying that she can't strip because then it would rid her of her modesty. This modesty is what initially drew Gallimard to Song. She reacts this way as a method of preventing the whole thing from being over. If Song were to strip, then Gallimard would see that she is really a man. This moment is pivotal for various reasons; one being that this is the first time Gallimard feels love for Song, and the other being that it ensures Gallimard will stay with Song. Song tells Gallimard that she is pregnant and he replies by saying that he wants to marry her. By Gallimard saying this, he is basically surrendering himself to Song's power. Although the pregnancy is not real, Gallimard's love for Song is.

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