Madama Butterfly: My Thoughts

Like many opera's, "Madama Butterfly" is one of love and ultimately, sadness. After all, what would an opera be without a broken heart and drama. The Audience cannot help but sympathize with Butterfly after an american sailor uses her for sex and a child. He never loved her, he never cared for her, he only wanted to marry her because it was convenient for him. Being with Butterfly was easy for him because he knew he would eventually leave her and find someone new. He did exactly that, leaving butterfly alone as a pregnant mother for several years, only to return with a new wife to claim his daughter as his own. However, Butterly remained hopeful and waited patiently for her loves return. Today's generation can relate to this story because in today's society, some men leave their pregnant spouses when they are needed most. Only in this story, the husband returns with his new family, takes his daughter, and leaves her never to return. I believe the husband returning with his family is very symbolic, assuring the audiences thought that he never planned on staying with Butterfly, he was simply waiting for something better.