M. Butterfly is the Perfect Woman for Gallimard - Literature review Example

M. Butterfly Through out this story we have a sense of feeling that Gallimard was never the man he wanted to be. From his confessions about the deep social gap he created to himself, this main character puts himself in the socially inept class of people, far from being attractive and endlessly waiting for what he calls the “Perfect Woman”. His relationship with Song brings him the “Perfect Woman” along with confidence and self-esteem. Gallimard clearly wants to be a different man. Through his relationship (real and imaginary) with Marc, the reader can sense Gallimard’s admiration of his friend.

Gallimard wants to be popular like Marc, but still keep his moral values. Marc is the essence of what Gallimard wants to be. Despite dreaming of becoming like Marc, Gallimard never does anything about this dream. He is contented to live a boring life. Gallimard is a romantic. He wants the “Perfect Woman” to fall in love with him, but feels this is impossible because of his appearance. Shy and lacking confidence, Gallimard married for convenience, but not love. This shows an example of Gallimard’s low self-esteem.

He did not believe that he deserved the “Perfect Woman”. For Gallimard the “Perfect Woman” was M. Butterfly. M. Butterfly had all the qualities Gallimard wanted in a woman. She had married an ugly Caucasian sailor. For duty’s sake, M. Butterfly stood by her husband, even after he abandoned her. M. Butterfly committed suicide because of that duty. Gallimard felt that if he could have a woman that was obligated to him, this woman would never leave. She would stay with him, because she was duty bound.

Gallimard would not have to live up to any expectations of a M. Butterfly, like he would have to a Western woman. Song became Gallimard’s M. Butterfly.Song came to Gallimard’s attention during her portrayal of M. Butterfly. Although her motives were not pure, she played the part of M. Butterfly with Gallimard. She was shy, but was not reserved enough to scare Gallimard away. Song had to appear attracted to Gallimard. She also had to make Gallimard think that her self-esteem was lower than his.

After experimenting with Song’s feelings, Gallimard felt that Song loved him. Because Song dishonored herself in her last letter, Gallimard realized she was the “Perfect Woman” for him.After receiving Song’s attention, Gallimard gained more confidence. Through this confidence Gallimard began doing a better job at work. His better performance meant a promotion. Gallimard gave Song credit for his promotion. Since he was a romantic, Gallimard took the promotion as a sign. Song was the “Perfect Woman”.

Gallimard did not like being who he was, but did not want to make the effort to change. When Song came along, Gallimard began to change. He gained confidence. Gallimard never realized one important fact. The ability to become the man he had always longed to be was there all along. Song only brought out Gallimard’s good traits, because these traits had been there all along.