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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Song, what does Gallimard shame her with?

2. According to Gallimard, who do the Orientals want to be associated with?

3. In the end, what was a reason for Gallimard's refusal to go to the doctor?

4. Where does Song say she will be when the audience returns from their five-minute break?

5. What does Song tell Gallimard he was to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The politics of a changing world play a major part in the direction of the plot. Write an essay on how the political tumult defines the conflict between certain characters and situations.

1. What are some of the major political events that happen while Gallimard is in office? What are the major global events that occur during the 1960's?

2. As the 60's progress, how does life for the characters in the play change? What is at stake for characters involved? How does the play and the stakes within it change as time goes by?

3. Describe how the growing chaos of the 1960s reflect events within M. Butterfly.

(see the answer keys)

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