Importance of Butterflies

In the story, a butterfly represents a disruption of privacy. It is the symbol that replaces the white swan for the School of Girls. Every butterfly in the novel acts as a spy for Evelyn, able to hear anything they are around as well as repeat what is said. The girls believe they represent themselves and female empowerment. However, - aside from Agatha, Hester and Anadil - most are unaware the butterflies are spying on them. For Dean Evelyn, the butterflies represent her power, as she was not given the powers of a Seer. She uses her butterflies to be useful to the School Master, even after his death.