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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. What is the setting of Scene 12?

2. Who plays the character of Suzuki in Gallimard's dream?

3. What is Gallimard thinking when he is having sex with Isabelle?

4. What does Gallimard consider himself to be?

5. What is the famous duet that Pinkerton and Sharpless sing together?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the difference of Toulon living "in China," and Gallimard living "with the Chinese?"

3. Durig Act 2, Scene 1, Gallimard claims that although men watching a production of Madame Butterfly may resent the character of Pinkerton, very few would pass up the chance to be him. Why does Gallimard think this is possible?

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

5. What happens when Gallimard sees Song naked for the first time?

6. Describe the character of Manuel Toulon.

7. How do the actions within the play prove Song's theory that all a man wants from a woman is to submit, and that will result in him recanting his demands?

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

9. Define the "Rape Mentality" that Song describes in the courtroom.

10. What is the premise for Gallimard's favorite musical, Madame Butterfly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Comrade Chin represents the Communist politics of China. She enforces the law and the needs of her country, which causes many of the plot elements in M. Butterfly.

1. How does Comrade Chin represent the politics of the time period? How does she represent the changing values of the country?

2. How does Chin differ from the fantasy that Song puts forth regarding the ideal woman? What does she think of Song's role in her society? What does she think of Song's tactics? How does she react to Song's opinion on women?

3. Why does Chin have Song beaten? How do Chin's actions affect the plot?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Renee is the young and beautiful student that Gallimard carries on an "extra extramarital affair" with. She differs greatly from every other female character in the play. Write an essay on the relationship Gallimard has with Renee and her importance within the structure of his story.

1. How is Renee characterized during her first meeting with Gallimard? How comfortable is she with her personality and her sexuality?

2. What is Gallimard's reason for carrying on this affair? How does he feel about Renee?

3. Why do you believe Hwang chose for this character to have the same first name as Gallimard?

(see the answer keys)

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