Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall

Introduction

Gallimard, the main character in David Henry Hwang’s drama M. Butterfly, exemplifies the characteristics of a tragic hero as described in classical literature. As the textbook defines it, Gallimard is the ideal illustration of a tragic hero. Gallimard’s persona is examined in depth throughout his voyage, illuminating the complexity and paradoxes of human nature. His tragic flaw, internal conflict, and ultimate downfall are evident throughout the play, aligning with the classical definition of a tragic hero.

Gallimard as a Perfect Tragic Hero

Gallimard’s terrible defect is his idealistic and naive understanding of love, which makes him susceptible to trickery by Song, the Chinese opera singer posing as a woman. The tragic fault, as defined by Aristotle, is a quality of the hero’s personality that ultimately results in their demise. Gallimard is oblivious to Song’s real nature and intentions because he is obsessed with the image of an exotic, subservient Asian woman. As the author of the passage puts it, “He loved the idea of a woman, and not the woman herself” (Hwang 41). Gallimard’s terrible downfall is caused by his inability to look past his romanticized ideas of love and femininity.

Another trait of a tragic hero is internal strife, as in the case of Gallimard. Throughout the play, he struggles with contradictory feelings and desires. He is torn between his obsession with Song, the fantasy of their illicit relationship, and his awareness of the social mores and expectations that prohibit it. When Gallimard remarks, “You see, I’m torn. I’m torn between the man I want to be and the man I am” (Hwang 27). He is experiencing internal conflict. Gallimard’s character is given more complexity by the tension created by the contradiction between his desires and the reality of his circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in M. Butterfly, Gallimard displays the traits of a tragic hero as described in the textbook. He is an intriguing and tragic figure due to his terrible fault, internal battle, and final demise. Hwang examines themes of love, lying, and self-delusion through Gallimard’s story, illuminating the intricacies of human nature. Gallimard’s journey in M. Butterfly is an affecting depiction of this idea.

Work Cited

Hwang, David Henry. M. Butterfly. New American Library, 1988.

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"Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall." StudyCorgi, 3 Sept. 2025, studycorgi.com/tragic-hero-gallimard-in-hwangs-m-butterfly-flaws-conflict-and-downfall/.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall'. 3 September.

1. StudyCorgi. "Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall." September 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/tragic-hero-gallimard-in-hwangs-m-butterfly-flaws-conflict-and-downfall/.


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StudyCorgi. "Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall." September 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/tragic-hero-gallimard-in-hwangs-m-butterfly-flaws-conflict-and-downfall/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2025. "Tragic Hero Gallimard in Hwang’s M. Butterfly: Flaws, Conflict, and Downfall." September 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/tragic-hero-gallimard-in-hwangs-m-butterfly-flaws-conflict-and-downfall/.

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