Butterflies in symbolist paintings

[Sozalina]

My textbook says butterflies in Rossetti's paintings are a symbol of Thanatos.  I don't get it.  They don't live long sure but what's that to do with urge towards self destruction???

[Rystan]

Ah, interpretations. Without a comment from Rossetti, the people who wrote your textbook are imposing an interpretation - one that might well be wrong - on you and any other reader. Unfortunately, this is how education in both poetry and art interpretation go. Lots of assumptions. One online site I found claims they are symbols of the soul.

But to answer the question, look beyond the butterflies as a symbol, and consider their context. What is their position? Are they doing anything in particular? What are their colors? It's unlikely you'll agree with your textbook's interpretation, but you might at least find substantiation for it. But remember, the only correct interpretations are the ones you devide for your own enjoyment.