A comparison of the theme of sexual betrayal in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," David Hwang's "M. Butterfly," and Annie Proulx's novel, "The Shipping News."
Written in 2009; 1,307 words; 3 sources; MLA; $ 44.95
Paper Summary:
This paper discusses and compares emotional and literal cuckoldry in the plays "Much Ado About Nothing," by William Shakespeare, "M. Butterfly," by David Hwang, and the novel, "The Shipping News," by Annie Proulx. The writer describes the deceptions on which the plot of "Much Ado About Nothing" is based, and how every male character is obsessed over his potential to be cuckolded, although it does not actually occur. The paper then looks at how, on the other hand, Hwang's "M. Butterfly," Gallimard and Song are both sexually deceived. However, in both plays, by being cuckolded either metaphorically or literally, the characters begin to grow as people, and attain a new level of self-knowledge and sobriety. The paper then lookst at how, in "The Shipping News," Quoyle's wife's acts of infidelity lead ultimately to Quoyle's rediscovery of his true family and true self. The writer concludes that all of these tales suggest that although infidelity is based in lies and betrayal, those lies can provide the stimulus for growth, change, and self revelation.
From the Paper:
"This sense that male closeness is somehow more noble than female closeness is also parodied in David Hwang's "M. Butterfly," where it is demonstrated that only another man can give a man what he really wants--a submissive creature, rather than a woman with real, articulated desires. This also shows a relationship, just like "Much Ado About Nothing" that is based upon illusions. Claudio is meant to believe Hero is dead, Beatrice and Benedick believe that their partner is pining for them, and that they are marrying the other person out of pity, while Rene Gallimard believes that his butterfly is an ultra-feminine Chinese woman, when she is actually a man."
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