Fact or Fiction?

"Yes, I am. I am your Butterfly."- (M. Butterfly, page 40)

This confession from Song closes out the first act beautifully. It is a simple statement with monumental implications. From very early on in the act, it is evident that Song is facing an inner struggle, between acting and conforming like a Western woman- tough and nonchalant- and showing her true, scared, fragile self.

When Song is first introduced on page 17, she is portrayed to be bold, and states that "I will never do Butterfly again.."

Song, throughout the course of the act, slowly gives in a Gallimard. Her confession at the end shows the stark difference between when she was first introduced. Though she may not have wanted to say it, it is undeniable. By admitting that she is Butterfly, she is opening herself up to Gallimard, and no longer denying who she really is. Butterfly may be a fictional character in an opera, but for Song, it is not fiction; she is not acting as Butterfly, she is Butterfly.