A major theme of this novel is revolution. The definition of revolution is to overthrow a government or social order by force for either a new ruler or a new system. In simpler terms a revolution is an act of defiance to bring about social change. That social change can be on a large scale meaning it change an entire country, or it can happen one a small scale meaning it only changes or affects a family. In the text, we have seen resistance in many different ways by multiple characters such as Carlos and Yolanda. The question I raise in this essay does all defiance or rebellion lead to revolution and if not what needs to happen for a revolution to occur. On the surface, Carlos appeared to be a typical overprotective father who just wants the best for his daughters. Nonetheless, he is a rebel in not only his eye but in the eyes of his country as well. From the beginning of the novel to the end Carlos's involvement in a plan to overthrow Trujillo is mentioned. Early in the novel, Yolanda reveals Carlos's participation in an attempted assassination of Trujillo. Yolanda says, "the dictator was cornered and wounded on his way to a tryst with his mistress. It was a plot our father helped devise but did not carry through."(Alverez, 2010) This …show more content…
Yolanda was also a rebel constantly against her parents and family wishes. In the chapter, "The Human Body." Readers learn about the highly discouraged friendship that she had with he cousin Mundin. Yolanda was encouraged to stop spending being a tomboy and spend more time with her female cousins. Being just as rebellious as her father, Carlos, Yolanda continues to spend time with Mundin, at one point even "proving" to him that she was a girl in exchange for a doll. Unbeknownst to Yolanda, her rebellion was to break stereotypical gender roles between males and females. However, her rebellion, unlike her father's rebellion, occurred strictly among her