Stereotypes in M.Butterfly

In M. Butterfly the stereotypes created by Western world turn into the illusions about Asian world and its attributes. The brightest example of the creeping stereotypes created by the French in the play is Gallimard's perception of the Western politics towards Asian world. Gallimard's views are reflected in his discussions with Helga, Toulon, and, of course, Song. "Orientals will always submit to a greater force." (46) This and other Gallimard's remarks fully express western believes that …

…my own... in the end, I fail.. A small, frightened heart beats too quickly and gives me away. Monsieur Gallimard, I'm a Chinese girl," (30-31). As such, through Gallimard being the dominant Western male figure who seeks to control a submissive oriental woman, the play raises the issue of the stronger country trying to "fix" and dominate what seems to appear a weaker and more fragile nation without any concern for its tradition and uniqueness.