Postby Citizeness Feuilly » Fri Apr 15, 2011 1:44 am
I've always loved that line. And your icon is beautifully done. I agree with you about the ambivalence - despite the raging on of the battle on earth, the summer continues, untouched (perhaps representing the will of God here on Earth?) The use of the word "abdicate" would suggest a certain majesty - again pointing to a higher law. And, to me, that is certainly enough to give me hope!
The other thing I could think of is that, maybe the butterfly is the representation of goodness and innocence? Despite the slaughter of innocents on the barricades, innocence personified still remains, in the form of the butterfly. One thing I found interesting is that Hugo used animals capable of flight to personify his most innocent characters - Cosette and Gavroche. Cosette is described as a lark, and Gavroche as a little bird. So that again points to the butterfly being the personification of innocence that perseveres, despite human nature.