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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. During the Revolution, what signs would hang in the windows of the clubs in Shanghai?

2. According to Gallimard, how does Manuel Toulon think of himself?

3. What is Song's full name?

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

5. What event is going on in Scene 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. After seeing Song for the first time on stage, how does Gallimard react to her?

2. In the plot of the opera Madame Butterfly, what is the relationship between Pinkerton and Sharpless? How does that story relate to Gallimard?

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

4. How does Gallimard's character change at the end of Scene 10?

5. Why does Toulon approve of Gallimard's infidelity?

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

7. How has Helga's opinion on China changed when she and Gallimard return to France?

8. Why does Helga want Gallimard to visit the doctor? How do their wants differ in Act 2, Scene 5?

9. How is Gallimard talked out of seeing the doctor?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

There is a distinct relationship that is established between Song and Gallimard that relates to the stereotypical relationship between the East ("the Orient") and the West.

1. Gallimard's view of his relationship can be translated as give and take. What is it that Gallimard offers to Song in their relationship? What does she give him in exchange?

2. How does the relationship between Gallimard and his Butterfly reflect the relationship between the East and West?

(see the answer keys)

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