The butterfly was used as a metaphor for freedom. In chapter XXVII there is this line, “It might be said
that on the leaving cocoon the butterfly recognized all the flowers, for it seemed to be enough for her to
spread her wings and for a moment and warn herself in the sun’s rays to lose all the stiffness of the

chrysalis.”

​

From all the struggles and sufferings Maria Clara had endured, she still found great courage to resist to
marry her off a man she doesn’t love. She managed to get free from dreadful love and toxic arranged

marriage.