illustration of a young woman's silhouetted head with a butterfly on it located within a cage

In the Time of the Butterflies

by Julia Alvarez

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Chapters 9-12 of In the Time of the Butterflies highlight themes of fate, courage, and sacrifice. A significant quote from Chapter 9 involves Dedé's dread as her sisters approach, symbolizing her...

6 educator answers

In the Time of the Butterflies

The Mirabal sisters are called butterflies because they are part of an underground movement in which everything must have a code name to avoid being detected by the Trujillo dictatorship. The word...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Key symbols in In the Time of the Butterflies include butterflies, representing transformation and freedom; the anacahuita tree, symbolizing resilience and strength; and the portraits of Trujillo,...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In the novel In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez incorporates a plethora of literary devices. These include vivid imagery, similes, metaphors, dialogue, and synesthesia. The novel also...

3 educator answers

In the Time of the Butterflies

In In the Time of the Butterflies, Minerva Mirabal is a dynamic character who evolves from a brash and headstrong young woman to someone who understands the complexities of life and ultimately...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In chapter 11 of In the Time of the Butterflies, Maria Teresa (Mate) is tortured at La 40 on April 11, 1960. She is stripped to her underwear and forced to watch her husband being beaten. When they...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In In the Time of the Butterflies, imagery and figurative language are prevalent. Examples include the use of butterflies to symbolize the Mirabal sisters' transformation and resistance. The lush...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Virgilio "Lío" Morales is an outspoken communist revolutionary who is in love with Minerva Mirabal and who eventually flees the Dominican Republic to escape political repression.

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Two key quotes about identity from Chapter 11 of In the Time of the Butterflies highlight Maria Teresa's transformation. The first quote is, "I dressed myself and walked out to the wagon on my own...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Two of the sisters are sent to jail in In the Time of the Butterflies: Minerva and Mate. Several members of their families are arrested as well, including Pedrito, Nelson, Manolo, and Leandro.

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In In the Time of the Butterflies, Enrique Mirabal dies in 1953. Patria, Minerva, and Mate Mirabal are assassinated in 1960. Dictator Rafael Trujillo is assassinated in 1961. Minerva's husband,...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Minerva and Dede Mirabal, from In the Time of the Butterflies, share beauty and intelligence but differ significantly in personality and choices. Minerva is assertive and revolutionary, while Dede is...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Quotes from Minerva can be found in her chapters in In the Time of the Butterflies. In Part I, Chapter 2, she reflects on the limitations placed on women, realizing her school is another "cage." In...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

This quote appears in Chapter 9 of In the Time of the Butterflies during a conversation between Dede, Minerva, and Manolo as they drive to Jaimito's mother's house. Dede confesses her struggle with...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In In the Time of the Butterflies, Papa was imprisoned because he failed to follow protocol and because the authorities suspect him of involvement in the political opposition to Rafael Trujillo....

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In Maria Teresa's dream, she envisions her father's funeral while preparing for her wedding but cannot find her wedding dress. Searching everywhere, she eventually looks into her father's coffin and...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In In the Time of the Butterflies, the main conflict in one chapter revolves around Minerva's interactions with Virgilio Morales, causing tension with her sister Dedé, who is also drawn to him. This...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Papà, Enrique Mirabal, died due to the severe consequences of his imprisonment, including a heart attack and inadequate medical care. After being jailed following Minerva's rejection of Trujillo, he...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Important people in Dede's life include her sisters—Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa—who are central to the story, as well as her husband, Jaimito, and her parents. These relationships shape her...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The chapter you need to look at to find the moment of change for Patria that transforms her from a good, law abiding citizen who will not support the rebel movement to a woman who is willing to...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The sisters in In the Time of the Butterflies lose their innocence through personal and political revelations. Minerva learns about Trujillo's brutality from Sinita and Lina. Maria Teresa discovers...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Minerva told Maria Teresa she wanted her to grow up in a free country, which surprised Maria Teresa and nearly triggered an asthma attack. When Maria Teresa questioned if their country was not...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The church turns against Trujillo's regime after witnessing his ruthless violence against his own people, particularly during the massacre that deeply affects Patria, one of the characters. The...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Rain symbolizes trouble in In the Time of the Butterflies.

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Julia Alvarez uses syntax in "In the Time of the Butterflies" to establish rhythm and flow, primarily through alliteration and distinct character voices. While rhyme is rare, alliteration is...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In "In the Time of the Butterflies," the "crown of thorns" symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice of the Mirabal sisters as they oppose the Trujillo regime. This imagery evokes the martyrdom of...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

No, In the Time of the Butterflies is not a true story, but it is based on historical fact. It is a fictionalized account of the lives of the four Mirabal sisters, three of whom were murdered by the...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Rafael Trujillo's rule in the Dominican Republic was marked by brutality and human rights abuses. However, there were some positive developments during his regime. Trujillo offered refuge to Jewish...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The metaphor of the loaded dice is in Chapter 6, when Minerva plays a game of chance with Trujillo, who uses dice from her uncle which are known to be "loaded".

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The specific events and circumstances that politicized Patria are multiple, but by far the most important one for her is the attack of June 14. There are complex reasons why Dedé did not become...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Dede evolves from a passive, compliant character to a strong, independent figure throughout In the Time of the Butterflies. Initially, she avoids joining her sisters in their revolutionary...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Dede initially feels suspicious of the American woman interviewing her, as she has faced questions about her sisters, "Las Mariposas," for over fifty years. Despite her initial reluctance, Dede finds...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Minerva's strengths include her intelligence and determination, shown by her pursuit of a law degree despite opposition. She is passionately committed to the revolution, driven by the injustices she...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The exposition introduces Dedé, the surviving Mirabal sister, reflecting on her deceased sisters' lives. The conflict revolves around the sisters joining the revolution against Dominican dictator...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The Mirabal sisters receive the nickname "The Butterflies" in Chapter Seven, set between 1953 and 1958. Maria Teresa, or Mate, narrates through diary entries. The name arises when Mate learns about...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

This quote highlights Patria's internal conflict and the pervasive influence of Trujillo's regime. Growing up with Trujillo's portrait next to Jesus' in her home, Patria equates the dictator's...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

The Mirabel sisters face internal conflicts between their personal desires and family expectations, struggling to balance loyalty to family with their beliefs and civic duties. Externally, they...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

In the passage, Patria's transformation is evident as witnessing a young rebel's death profoundly impacts her, reminding her of her stillborn child. This event catalyzes her religious and political...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Imagery in "In the Time of the Butterflies" serves to highlight themes of oppression, liberation, and the transient nature of life. The butterfly symbolizes the Mirabel sisters' beauty and short...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Minerva slaps Trujillo because he gropes her while they are dancing.

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The novel blends historical facts with fiction, as author Julia Alvarez uses her imagination to construct the characters and actions of the four Mirabal sisters. Although based on real events and...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Maria Teresa's diary helps her navigate life and prison by allowing her to record personal secrets, reflect on her changing perceptions, and process her emotions. Initially, it aids in understanding...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Dede's unsettling realization about Lio is his involvement in dangerous political activities, which makes her fearful and cautious. This awareness impacts her attitude by increasing her apprehension...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Hilda is a rebellious and outspoken revolutionary who befriends Minerva during her last year at Immaculada. Hilda's boldness and extreme political views influence Minerva, who is already inclined...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Dr. Pedro Vinas is a urologist and revolutionary figure mentioned in Chapter 12 of In the Time of the Butterflies. He is connected to the underground resistance against the Trujillo regime. When...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

The tone of In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez is one of determination, persistence and resiliency. The novel is about four Dominican sisters who resist the dictatorship of Rafael...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

Mate learns from her prison experience to appreciate and accept people from all walks of life, realizing the importance of inner qualities over backgrounds. In close quarters with diverse women,...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

The organization of In the Time of the Butterflies is similar to that of a Greek tragedy, featuring three parts that are connected and ultimately lead to the end. The novel opens with Minerva, who...

2 educator answers

In the Time of the Butterflies

Maria Teresa's hair ribbon symbolizes independence and hope. Initially a mere accessory, it becomes a source of comfort and resistance during her imprisonment. Given by a sympathetic guard, the...

1 educator answer

In the Time of the Butterflies

In "In the Time of the Butterflies," Trujillo is depicted as a ruthless dictator who rose to power by force and tolerated no opposition, as reflected in quotes like "He wouldn't take no for an...

2 educator answers