Gender Roles In M Butterfly

Gender Performance: A Man Pretending to be a Woman Have you ever thought why we act the way we do? Have you ever thought you have to act a certain way because you are a male or female? Have you ever done something and you then realize, those actions should not be done be you? It happens all the time, when people feel they have to act a certain way because of their gender. In the book M Butterfly by David Henry Hwang, the character, Song Liling plays the role of a “perfect women”. In the play, Song is a spy who pretends to be a woman to get government information from a French diplomat, Gallimard. Moreover, Gallimard has a desire for the perfect women who he calls a butterfly. Song pretends to be the perfect butterfly and makes Gallimard fall for her which is how she obtains the information she wanted. In addition, some of Judith Butler’s theories about gender identity and behavior are reflected in the play. Song plays the role of a “perfect women” by performing the ideas society has on females. Song’s performance in M. Butterfly is constructed by society before she was even born because of her gender identity. Before a baby has been identified as male or female, is she is a girl she will be expected to, act a certain way. The idea that gender performance has been constructed before birth is reflected in Judith Butler’s theories. …show more content…
In the play, Song’s performance in being the perfect woman reflects some of society’s views on woman identity. In addition, characteristics contribute to her performance in the way woman use them to identify themselves. Furthermore, the character of Song reflects the way a “perfect woman” should be to be socially accepted. Now, maybe next time you feel you should not act a certain way or do a certain thing because it does not belong in your side of the matrix, think as if you are performing a script and you will fit in