M. Butterfly (Magill’s Choice: American Ethnic Writers)
At a glance:
- Author: David Henry Hwang
- First Published: 1988
- Genres: Social realism, Drama, Psychological drama
- Subjects: Racism, Sexism, Homosexuality or homosexuals, Asia or Asians, Vietnam War, Singing or singers, Stereotypes, Androgyny, Imperialism, Diplomacy or diplomats, Opera, operas, or operettas
- Locales: Paris, France, Beijing, China, Aix-en-Provence, France
The Work
M. Butterfly is David Henry Hwang’s fictionalized account of a real French diplomat who carried on an affair with a Chinese opera singer for twenty years, only to discover she was actually a man. Hwang’s compelling drama examines themes of sexual and racial stereotyping, Western imperialism, the role illusion plays in perceptions, and the ability for one person to truly know another.
M. Butterfly contrasts Rene Gallimard with Pinkerton in Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (produced, 1904; published, 1935). Gallimard sees himself as...
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See Also:
- - M. Butterfly summary and study guide in the eNotes.
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