The Power Play in M. Butterfly

Who is in Control? Act 2, Scene 6

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Towards the end of Scene 6, Gallimard is mad at Toulon and calls him a coward because Toulon puts all the responsibility of the decisions they have taken on Gallimard's shoulders. Toulon states that it is only Gallimard's opinions the ones written on the report, not his, so if something went wrong, Gallimard would be negatively affected. As a result, he wants revenge and a place to contain the extreme humiliation he is experiencing. Thus, even though he has not seen Butterfly for several weeks, he heads for their apartment. He tells Song that he wants to see her completely naked, for that is the only barrier that is left between them; however, the true reason is to relieve his shame by showing his abusive attitude toward her. That is his way of restoring his sense of control even though that means treating Song badly. He wants to prove that he can get Song to do whatever he pleases, so he asks Song for one of her most precious virtues—her modesty. At first, Song tells him that she thought he understood her modesty and that he respected her shame. In reality, Song is worried because by showing him her body, Song's act would be ruined since Gallimard would find out that she is not a woman. When Gallimard keeps on insisting, Song declares she is helpless before her man, so she allows him to strip her—similar to reverse psychology. Just at that moment, Gallimard appreciates Song's love and realizes his hatred have been replaced by love as well. Therefore, he does not strip her and asks her then for her forgiveness. This is a pivotal moment in the life of the play and the relationship between Gallimard and Song because both of them seem now to have truly fallen for each other. Butterfly has told him she would anything for her him, and he would now do anything for her. It was no longer a fight for power but a fight for love.

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