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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. In the stage directions, who does David Henry Hwang compare Song to in appearance?

2. What does Gallimard ask Song?

3. Who is in the framed picture that Gallimard picks up?

4. What is one of the features of Pinkerton's house?

5. What is the setting of Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is it ever clear if Gallimard knew Song was a man?

2. Why is Gallimard's experiment with Song considered a success when she claims that she has given him her shame?

3. 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?

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

5. How do Gallimard and his wife agree in regards to their opinion of the Chinese people?

6. Why does Gallimard believe God is a man?

7. 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?

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

9. How does the character of Comrade Chin view Song's actions for the government?

10. How does Marc's marriage and his treatment of women and that of Gallimard's differ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the climactic encounter between Gallimard and Song when he asks to see her naked for the first time.

1. When Gallimard leaves the reception where he had his encounter with Toulon, what is he feeling? What is the catalyst for his emotions?

2. What are the reasons Gallimard gives for wanting to strip Song? How does she react? Why?

3. How does Song talk Gallimard out of seeing her naked? What is at stake for her?

4. How is this moment pivotal in the life of the play and the relationship between Gallimard and Song? How do his feelings for her change?

Essay Topic 2

Gallimard claims he is pure imagination. Write an essay on what Hwang meant to portray with this plot development.

1. Do you believe Gallimard knew Song was a man? Cite examples from the story that back your argument.

2. What changes when Gallimard finally sees Song naked? How does he treat Song? How does his opinion on Song changed? According to Gallimard, what was the mistake that Song made?

3. How does Song react to Gallimard's attitude toward him?

4. How does the fantasy world different from the reality of Gallimard's situation? Which does he choose? Why?

5. What does Gallimard mean when he is "pure imagination?"

Essay Topic 3

Song creates an involved web of lies to trap Gallimard. Song portrays little regard for the lives of others.

1. What are Song's major characteristics? How do those characteristics develop and change as the plot goes on?

2. What are some of the tactics Song uses to get what she wants? How do her needs change?

3. What are Song's motives behind her entrapment of Gallimard? Personal? Political? Do her ethics ever conflict with her goals?

(see the answer keys)

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