Aug 29, 2008

M. Butterfly | Act II, scenes 1-7: Summary and Analysis

New Characters
Chin: This actor played the part of Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s assistant, in the portrayal of the opera, but now she appears as Song’s comrade and intermediary with China.

Renee: A young Western woman with whom Gallimard has a brief affair.

Summary
In his cell, Gallimard repeats and dismisses some perfunctory commentary on Puccini’s opera. In his opinion, very few men would pass up the opportunity to be a man like Pinkerton.

Scene 2 opens with a flashback to newfound domestic bliss. According to Gallimard, he and Song have set up a nice flat. During a...