The Death Of “Butterfly”: A Study Of M.butterfly From The Perspective Of Affect Theory

M.Butterfly(1988),David Henry Hwang’s masterpiece,is one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed Asian American plays in the late twentieth century.At the center of the play’s plot,which is set in Beijing and Paris,is a French diplomat’s misrecognition of the sex and intentions of his Chinese lover,and the public disclosure of his mistake drives him to commit suicide.Since its premiere in 1988,M.Butterfly has received much critical attention in regard to its aesthetics and political implications.Based on original and published research,this thesis intends to find the answers to two questions: How does this incredible story happen? Why does the protagonist Gallimard choose to kill himself in the end?By analyzing the fantasy and revealing the reality concerning the protagonist Gallimard in the tragic play M.Butterfly through the perspective of affect theory,this thesis finds that Gallimard isn’t simply a fool who falls for the Orientalist fantasy.His falling for the fantasy and his suicide are both psychologically motivated.The Butterfly Icon in Western culture and Gallimard’s former “affective scenes” of shame enact a possibility of the relationship between Gallimard and Song Liling.Furthermore,Song Liling exploits Gallimard’s “affective script” to snare Gallimard into his own illusion and fantasy.Gallimard reinforces his Orientalist fantasy and constructs his masculinity by the “enjoyment” with Song Liling.The thesis argues that Gallimard commits suicide with honor,which shows that he wants to avoid further humiliation and protect his pride.The perspective of affect theory helps us see the central role of shame in Gallimard’s emotional development.Shame as an indispensable part of Gallimard’s “affective script” leads to his predictions about the future and decisions.M.Butterfly,as a cross-cultural play,is so popular and fascinating because it forges a sharp critique of cultural stereotypes.Gallimard’s death could be a symbol of exploring one’s true self and it also seeks a cultural transcendence—an equal communication between the West and the East.