"M. Butterfly"

Analytical Essay # 106440

English > Analysis
Literature > World
Music Studies

"M. Butterfly"

An analysis of theme of feminism in "M. Butterfly" by David Henry Hwang.

985 words () | 0 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, in David Henry Hwang's "M. Butterfly", a wide variety of characters and dialogue are used to explore the feminist viewpoint that men try to control women because of self-doubts and insecurities. It looks at how this is exposed as a fruitless and impossible way to establish a productive, working relationship between men and women. From the three gossipers, to Gallimard and Marc, from Gallimard and Renee to Gallimard and Song, it discusses how Hwang inspects feminism using a new and unusual viewpoint throughout the play, which he asserts in various ways.

From the Paper:

"While the play was borne of racial stereotypes, it evolves more into a tale exposing the intricacies of male-female relations, using East-West misconceptions as a medium, and focuses on the protective fantasies of men. The story, told after Gallimard's arrest, drips with cynicism and sarcasm. In flashbacks, Gallimard (the diplomat), describes his perception of the play, "Madame Butterfly," relating his own love affair with Song Li Ling, who him/herself expresses why he/she participated in it. Gallimard, a faceless unimportant diplomat begins to gain confidence as his "Madame Butterfly," submits to him. Further, as this is accomplished he moves up in diplomatic circles. "

Sample of Sources Used:

McMahan, Elizabeth, Susan X. Day, and Robert Funk. "Looking at Cultural Issues." Literature and the Writing Process. By Elizabeth McMahan, Susan X. Day and Robert Funk. Upper Saddle river, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007.