Papillon written by Henri Charriere was published in 1969. The book is a memoir and autobiography about the life of Charriere in prison and his multiple attempts at escape. Papillon finds himself in court waiting for his trial on the account of a murder of a “pimp and stool pigeon”. Although his attorney assured him that there was no real evidence, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Henri Charrière, or commonly known as Papillon, was born on November 16th 1968 in Saint-Étienne-de-Lugdarès, Ardèche, France. He was known as Papillon, meaning butterfly, because he has a butterfly tattoo on his chest. At the age of ten, his mother passed away leaving him and his two sisters behind. In 1923 at the age of 17, he enlisted in
…show more content…
The first place he visits is The Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison, where he is held prior to his sentencing. He is then sent to Paris, where he is brought to trial. After he is found guilty, he is sent to Guiana, where the French penal colonies are located. Guiana is approximately the size of Idaho and is situated on the northern coast of South America (Info Please, 2015). While in Guiana, he meets a colony of lepers or people suffering from leprosy, a contagious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin. He then leaves for Ile aux Pigeons where he decides to buy a boat to help him get to Trinidad. Once he arrives in Trinidad, he meets Mr. Bowen and the authorities. They are both willing to help him get to freedom. After leaving Trinidad, Papillon goes to Rio Hacha, a city in Colombia, where he is held for a while until he escapes with another prisoner named Antonio. The atmosphere of the book is very intense. An afflux of misery and joy which are both complete opposites. Papillon experiences joy when he finally makes his escapes after taking all of that time to plan. He is also very joyful when his small boat sails successfully. He realizes just how lucky he is when he meets all of the people who are willing to help
The first place he visits is The Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison, where he is held prior to his sentencing. He is then sent to Paris, where he is brought to trial. After he is found guilty, he is sent to Guiana, where the French penal colonies are located. Guiana is approximately the size of Idaho and is situated on the northern coast of South America (Info Please, 2015). While in Guiana, he meets a colony of lepers or people suffering from leprosy, a contagious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin. He then leaves for Ile aux Pigeons where he decides to buy a boat to help him get to Trinidad. Once he arrives in Trinidad, he meets Mr. Bowen and the authorities. They are both willing to help him get to freedom. After leaving Trinidad, Papillon goes to Rio Hacha, a city in Colombia, where he is held for a while until he escapes with another prisoner named Antonio. The atmosphere of the book is very intense. An afflux of misery and joy which are both complete opposites. Papillon experiences joy when he finally makes his escapes after taking all of that time to plan. He is also very joyful when his small boat sails successfully. He realizes just how lucky he is when he meets all of the people who are willing to help