M. BUTTERFLY
ESSAY QUESTIONS
DUE OCTOBER 25
THREE PAGES TYPED, _ SPACED, NORMAL MARGINS

1. Give a coherent summary of the play, including identification of characters and their importance, setting, and theme. (5 POINTS)

2. Answer the following questions in essay form. (20 POINTS)

One could reasonably argue that the theme of this play is the willingness we have to plunge ourselves into a fantasy world, and that once you’re completely immersed into the fantasy, it’s almost impossible to get out, even when the truth is staring you in the face.

A) -Write in support of this theme using ideas, details, and examples from the text.

B) -Why is the stereotype of the submissive Asian woman so crucial to constructing Gallimard’s fantasy?

Support your answers with specific textual information.

3. OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT QUESTION (10 POINTS)

Research and summarize the plot of the Italian Opera Madame Butterfly. Explain the differences in plot and character between the opera and Hwang’s play. How does the “M” differ from the “Madame” in the two titles, and why did Hwang use “M”?