Papillon

Historical Context and Significance

Papillon is an autobiographical novel by French writer Henri Charrière, first published in 1969. The book tells the story of the author, unjustly convicted of murder, his escapes, and adventures in search of freedom. Henri Charrière earned the nickname Papillon due to the butterfly tattoo on his chest. The novel was an immediate success upon release, translated into numerous languages, and had a significant impact on 20th-century culture, inspiring films and plays. Papillon sparked interest in the theme of wrongful imprisonment and the penal system, raising questions about the human will to freedom and the ability to overcome challenges to achieve one's goals.