She could become a child again, run and frolic, leave her hat on Valjean's knees and fill it with bunches of wild flowers. She could watch the butterflies, although she never tried to catch them; tenderness and compassion are a part of loving, and a girl cherishing something equally fragile in her heart is mindful of the wings of butterflies.
The quote reflects a longing for innocence and the carefree nature of childhood. It captures the essence of joy found in simple pleasures like running, playing, and appreciating nature, specifically the beauty of wildflowers and butterflies. The imagery suggests a desire to escape the burdens of adulthood and embrace a more playful, whimsical existence.
Furthermore, the notions of tenderness and compassion emphasized in the passage reveal the depth of love. The comparison to butterflies highlights the fragility of both love and moments of happiness, conveying a message about cherishing these delicate experiences while being mindful and gentle in one’s affections.
