Analyzing The Novel 'In The Time Of The Butterflies' By Julia Alvarez

Promise Mavhunga Mr. Eliot English 2 Honors April 1, 2024 Change In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is an inspiring novel set in the mid 1900s. At the time, the country was led by dictator Rafael Trujillo, whose corrupt rule ruined the lives of many in the nation. The Mirabal sisters were four sisters, Minerva, Maria Theresa, Patria, Dede, who spearheaded the rebellion against Rafael Trujillo’s tyrannical regime. While Dede was the only one who lived to see their dream come to fruition, their efforts continued the resistance even after their death. While all of the sisters display incredible courage, Minerva stands out as the bravest. She is a symbol of resistance in the face of oppression. Her bravery was evident early on with

Minerva’s physical retaliation against Trujillo’s advances shows her courage to defend herself. These instances show that Minerva is brave because she is not falling for Trujillo’s tricks, and she stands firm in her rejection of Trujillo despite knowing the consequences. These two instances show Minerva’s courage because she is not afraid to oppose Trujillo in public, despite knowing the risks. The final way Minerva shows courage is through her continued resistance while in prison. She leads secret classes to teach her fellow inmates revolutionary ideas. An example of her courage is the crucifix plot, which she came up with, where all of the inmates would wear a crucifix around their necks. The guards catch on and confiscate everyone’s crucifixes, but when they try to take Minerva’s crucifix “she started kicking and swinging her arms” (252). Minerva's refusal to give up her crucifix symbolizes her sticking to her beliefs, when all of the other prisoners just give the guards their crucifixes without a fight. As a result, she got sent to solitary confinement, but her courage inspires her fellow inmates, who chant, “Mariposa does not belong to herself alone. She belongs to Quisqueya!”