Madama Butterfly Facts for Kids

Geraldine Farrar as Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera around 1907

Madama Butterfly is a famous Italian opera created by Giacomo Puccini. An opera is like a play, but the story is told mostly through singing with an orchestra playing music. The words for the opera, called the libretto, were written by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. They based it on a play by David Belasco.

This opera was first shown in Milan, Italy, on February 17, 1904. At first, people didn't like it much. But after some changes, it was performed again in Brescia on May 28, 1904, and became very popular. Today, Madama Butterfly is one of the most loved operas around the world.

What is Madama Butterfly About?
Why is it so Popular?
Images for kids
See also

What is Madama Butterfly About?

The story of Madama Butterfly takes place in Nagasaki, Japan, around 1904. It's a sad and beautiful tale about a young Japanese woman named Cio-Cio-San, also known as Butterfly.

The Main Characters

Here are the most important people in the opera:

Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly) - A young Japanese woman, sung by a soprano (a high female voice).
Pinkerton - An American naval officer, sung by a tenor (a high male voice).
Suzuki - Butterfly's loyal maid, sung by a mezzo-soprano (a middle female voice).
Sharpless - The American Consul in Nagasaki, sung by a baritone (a middle male voice).

The Story Begins

Pinkerton, the American officer, decides to "marry" Cio-Cio-San in a Japanese ceremony. For him, it's not a serious marriage, and he plans to leave her and marry an American woman later. But for Butterfly, it's a real and serious commitment. She truly loves him and believes they are married forever. She even gives up her own religion and family traditions for him.

Waiting for Pinkerton

After their wedding, Pinkerton leaves Japan, promising to return. Butterfly waits faithfully for him for three years. She has a young son, who Pinkerton doesn't know about. Her maid, Suzuki, tries to tell her that Pinkerton might not come back, but Butterfly refuses to believe it. She holds onto hope, watching the harbor every day for his ship.

A Sad Return

Finally, Pinkerton's ship returns to Nagasaki. Butterfly is overjoyed! But her happiness quickly turns to sorrow. Pinkerton arrives not alone, but with his American wife, Kate. He has come back to take his son to America, as he believes he can give the child a better life.

Butterfly's Sacrifice

Sharpless, the American Consul, tries to help Butterfly understand the situation gently. Pinkerton feels guilty and can't face Butterfly himself. Butterfly realizes that Pinkerton never truly loved her in the way she loved him. Heartbroken, she agrees to give up her son, but only if Pinkerton comes to get him himself. She then chooses to end her own life with her father's sword, dying with honor. Pinkerton arrives just as she dies, realizing the terrible mistake he made.

Why is it so Popular?

Madama Butterfly is loved for its beautiful music, especially the famous "Humming Chorus" and Butterfly's aria "Un bel dì vedremo" (One Fine Day We'll See). The story is very emotional and shows the clash between different cultures and the pain of a broken heart. It reminds us about loyalty, hope, and the consequences of our actions.