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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Gallimard get scared when Isabelle screamed that she was coming?

2. What does Toulon state will not be part of Gallimard's job requirement?

3. In Act 1, Scene 7, when Gallimard is speaking to Helga, what does he say about the Chinese?

4. What do the three people in Scene 2 think of Gallimard?

5. How was the woman Isabelle important in Gallimard's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. During Act 2, Scene 2, Song explains that although China has ruled the world in the past, it would be much more exciting to rule the contemporary world. What does this foreshadow?

2. Define the "Rape Mentality" that Song describes in the courtroom.

3. Describe the character of Manuel Toulon.

4. How has the relationship between Marc and Gallimard changed during the course of the play?

5. What is the nature of Gallimard's experiment with Song? Why does he decide to treat her in this fashion?

6. How does Toulon's view of the Americans and their actions reflect France's opinion of their place in this historic time period?

7. How does Song's opinion of Madame Butterfly differ from Gallimard's?

8. How does Gallimard look at his marriage? Who did he marry? What did he marry for?

9. How does the nature of Gallimard and Song's relationship develop through Act 1?

10. Durig Act 2, Scene 1, Gallimard claims that although men watching a production of Madame Butterfly may resent the character of Pinkerton, very few would pass up the chance to be him. Why does Gallimard think this is possible?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the theme of parenthood in the play.

1. Why does Helga want to have a baby? Why does she want Gallimard to see a doctor? Why is there conflict over this?

2. Does Gallimard want to be a father? Why or why not?

3. What are Song's motives for "mothering" Gallimard's child? How does introducing a baby change the stakes for Gallimard and Song?

Essay Topic 2

Gallimard serves as the narrator throughout the play. The fantasies and flashbacks are his. Write a characterization of Gallimard and how he fits in with the structure of the play.

1. What was Gallimard's life like growing up? How did his days as a youth help to create the man he is now?

2. Describe Gallimard's relationship with women. Is Gallimard an attractive man? How does his physical appearance reflect his place in society? How does he talk to women? What is his sex drive like?

3. Descibe Gallimard's relationship with his wife. Why did he marry her? What is his opinion of love? How does that affect his interactions with other characters and his actions in the play?

Essay Topic 3

Much of the characters' are driven by the culture they came from. There is a distinct role that the social backdrop plays in the storyline.

1. Describe the nature of the cultures that surrounds Hwang's story. Most noticeably, the Chinese and French influences. Is there any other cultures that have a personality within the plot? What are some of the characteristics we associate with each culture and how does Hwang play on them?

2. Which characters fit into their cultural stereotype? How has their culture played a part in building their personality? How does it play a part in their motives?

(see the answer keys)

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