The Butterfly Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Butterfly.
The Butterfly Ending Explained: A hunchback, sworn to revenge against a woman who rejected him, lures her stepdaughter Elaine to the stage and assists her to become a dancer. Directed by O.A.C. Lund, this 1915 drama film stars Howard Estabrook (John Butler), alongside Barbara Tennant as Elaine Arthur, O.A.C. Lund as John Arthur, Jessie Lewis. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Butterfly?
A hunchback, sworn to revenge against a woman who rejected him, lures her stepdaughter Elaine to the stage and assists her to become a dancer. Her stepmother goes to see her dance where the hunchback murders her goes mad and falls off a cliff to his death. John Butler, who is loved by Elaine, is accused of killing him, but Elaine clears him of the charge by proving the hunchback was the murderer of her stepmother.
O.A.C. Lund's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Howard Estabrook (John Butler)'s journey. Her stepmother goes to see her dance where the hunchback murders her goes mad and falls off a cliff to his death.
How Does Howard Estabrook (John Butler)'s Story End?
- Howard Estabrook: Howard Estabrook's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Barbara Tennant (Elaine Arthur): Barbara Tennant's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- O.A.C. Lund (John Arthur): O.A.C. Lund's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Butterfly Mean?
The ending of The Butterfly brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Howard Estabrook's story may not satisfy all audiences.