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Papillon is a semi-autobiographical novel by Henri Charrière that narrates his wrongful conviction in 1931 and subsequent 14-year struggle involving multiple escape attempts from French penal colonies, including Devil's Island in French Guiana.
The name Papillon means 'butterfly' in French and was Henri Charrière's nickname, inspired by a butterfly tattoo on his chest.
Yes, the term Papillon literally means 'butterfly' in French and references Charrière's tattoo, which earned him the nickname.
At the end of Papillon, Henri Charrière is eventually released and pardoned, becoming a folk hero, although some parts of his story have been questioned for accuracy.
