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.

Snakes

Snakes represent secrecy and cunning. It is the symbol that replaces the black swan for the School of Boys. Twice in the novel are Sophie and Agatha attacked by large snakes sneaking up on them. The...