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

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

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...

2 educator answers

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

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

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...

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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

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

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

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

Dedé is described as a follower and pacifist, characterized as the "docile middle child" who is cheerful and compliant. She marries Jaimito, a bossy and dominant man who controls their finances,...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

At the end of the novel, Dede realizes her purpose is to transition from being a passive listener to an active speaker against oppression and tyranny. She embraces the spirit and determination of her...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

Patria, Dede, and Mate are courageous in their own ways. Dede is the only surviving sister who tells her story to the interviewer. Paco Pérez is a young man whose family has suffered under the...

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In the Time of the Butterflies

The revolutionary movement in "In the Time of the Butterflies" exposes the pre-existing weaknesses in Dede's marriage to Jaimito. His domineering nature and belief in traditional gender roles clash...

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