M. Butterfly Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 3, Scenes 1, 2 and 3 Summary

Act 3, Scenes 1, 2 and 3 Summary

The three scenes in this short act bring the play to the climax, as both the audience and Gallimard are confronted with who Song is, with the nature of Gallimard's illusions, and with ultimate despair and ultimate truth.

Scene 1 - Song continues his change, dropping his Butterfly costume and wig to reveal he's now wearing a well-cut suit. As he does so, he speaks of his relatively comfortable life in Paris after he and Gallimard reconnect, with Gallimard paying financial support to both him and "their" child for fifteen years. As Song speaks about his ongoing spying, the scene transforms into a courtroom. Song's manner becomes that of a witness in Gallimard's trial for treason, as Song explains that Gallimard gave him documents, which he photocopies and passes on to the Chinese embassy. The Judge asks the delicate (for him) questions as to whether Gallimard ever knows Song is...
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