How does Pinkerton view his marriage contract with Cio-Cio-San?

In Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, B.F. Pinkerton views his marriage contract with Cio-Cio-San as a temporary and flexible arrangement rather than a binding commitment. He explicitly compares the marriage to the lease of his house, which is for a term of 999 years but includes an option to cancel at any month.1

Pinkerton’s perspective is rooted in a shallow, exploitative approach to his relationships. He treats the marriage as a fleeting pleasure, viewing his bride as a "toy" or a "little butterfly" to be captured, even if doing so causes her harm. Despite warnings from the American consul, Sharpless, regarding the seriousness of the commitment and the potential for heartbreak, Pinkerton remains dismissive. He openly admits that he is unsure if he is acting on love or mere whim, and he looks forward to a future "real" wedding with an American bride. This attitude reflects a profound lack of moral responsibility toward his partner, who enters the union with sincere devotion and sacrifice.1