M Butterfly: Capitalism for Song

In Hwang's “M Butterfly,” the conversation between Song Liling, a male Beijing opera actor who masquerade in female role, and Comrade Chin, a female revolutionary friend of Song show the switch in their gender roles.

Chin greatly respect her country's political view, Communism, and despise anyone who act against it. “Don't forget: there is no homosexuality in China!” (p.48) Chin very suspicious of Song's relationship with Rene, a Frenchman diplomat, she warns Song further relationship with Rene. This shows Chin's respect towards her country as well as her masculine characteristic, demanding Song not to counter act against communism principle. In addition, this quote foreshadows Song as corrupted character who does not believe in communism principle. Although Song says, “I'll try to imagine the Chairman taking my positions” (p.48) meaning that he will do this part for the Chinese community, he takes his own words very lightly and this line may be referred to his mockery towards the Chairman, one of the most prosed person in Chinese history, because later in this play Song show his self motivation and strong individualistic characteristic which contradicts communism principle.

Possibly due to his career in opera actor, Song has many opportunity to interact with the Westerners such as Rene, and be influenced by capitalistic idea of lifestyle. When Rene tries to convince Song to get married with him, Song disagrees and reasons him, stating capitalistic view of argument. Song says, “Rene, we Chinese are realists. We understand rice, gold, and guns. You are a diplomat. Your career is skyrocketing. Now, what would happen if you divorced your wife to marry a Communist Chinese actress?” (p. 65) In here, Song points out the importance of Rene's career and back up his words mentioning that even the communistic Chinese concerns about their career, making money to buy “rice, gold, and guns.” He is able to reason against him with capitalistic ideals because his influence of the Western culture allowed him to pursue for his own individual wealth, goals, and lifestyle.