People in the modern world sometimes tend to neglect or not care about the past. This is a mistake made by many, as one cannot move forward without understanding where one is coming from. In the book In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez puts great effort into articulating the correct perspectives in relation to history. She suggests that the security one enjoys, the freedom one experiences, and the progress one makes should compel one to remember their past. This message is conveyed through the characters in the book, highlighting the dictatorial regime that existed in the Dominican Republic and the resilience of its citizens.
The story is set in the Dominican Republic and details the lives of the Mirabal family between 1938 and 1994. The book is narrated by the Maribal sisters; Patricia, Minerva, Dede, and Maria Teresa, also known as Mate. The events are arranged in chronological order. Dede is the sole surviving Maribal sister, and she resides in America.
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The novel begins in 1994, where Dede, the only surviving Mirabal sister, meets with Alvarez, who plans to interview her about her family. She begins by recalling a time in 1943 when their father predicted that Dede would bury all her sisters “in silk and pearls.” The following chapter is narrated by Minerva and covers 1938 to 1944, when Minerva and Patricia start their education and Minerva befriends Sinita Perozo. In Sinita’s family, all the male members were mercilessly murdered for opposing the administration of Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo. Minerva, though young, is intrigued and appalled upon learning of the oppressive leadership. It is also revealed that the entire Dominican Republic is taught in schools to fear the dictator. In 1941, Trujillo seduces Lina, a girl from Minerva’s school. When Lina becomes pregnant, she is sent to Miami. Minerva and her friend later perform a play for Independence Day in front of Trujillo. During the play, Sinita points an arrow at Trujillo but is stopped by Trujillo’s son, Ramfis. Minerva saves the day by shouting, “Long live Trujillo!”
The third chapter features Maria Teresa’s journal entries from 1945 to 1946, detailing her childhood experiences, including her joys and her clothing. There is also a mention of Hilda, a rebel who opposes Trujillo and is a friend of Minerva’s. Hilda is later arrested, and Maria is forced to hide the diary from the authorities.
In the fourth chapter, Patria narrates her story, which starts in 1946. Originally, Patria intended to become a nun, but she fell in love with Pedrito and they married. They have two children, but their third child is stillborn. This loss causes Patria to lose her faith in religion, but she regains it after alleged communication with the Virgin Mary.
In phase five Dede talks in 1994 regarding Lio, that she had a charming rate of interest in when she was young; Lio is a doctor as well as likewise a revolutionary. Lio is required to flee Dominican Republic after because of his activities as a revolutionist. Lio provides a letter to Dede to hand to Minerva begging with Minerva to sign up with Lio in expatriation; Dede decides to melt the letter
In the sixth phase Minerva tells of how from 1949, Inmaculada grads as well as wishes to sign up with Regulation institution. Inmaculada later on uncovers of how her dad has 4 children who are bogus and he has actually been hidings letters from Lio to her. Her family last participates in an occasion hosted by Trujillo, Minerva puts Trujillo because of his bad dancing. These forces the household leaves the celebration after it rained. Minerva forgets her purse and also in the handbag there was a letter from Lio and trigger her father to be arrested. However he is later on launched after many weeks when Minerva and her mother beg with Trujillo.
In phase seven Maria Teresa by use of her journal entrances in between 1953 to 1958 give an account of those years. Her daddy dies in 1953, Minerva joins legislation institution and also goes through lots of experiences there as well as she later on marries Manolo Tavarez and also gets a daughter and also later on graduates from legislation school. Trujillo refutes Minerva a method certificate as a lawyer. Minerva and also Manolo undergo issues in their marriage but they end after they sign up with an underground activity versus the management of Trujillo. The influence Maria Teresa to join the activity which she does, she is offered a code name Mariposa 2 while Minerva is Mariposa 1. Mariposa. The main factor for Maria Teresa to join the motion is because of her feelings to Guzman that is one of the participants of the movement. Maria Teresa is successful and also wedded Leandro Guzman in 1958.
In chapter 8 patria becomes pregnant as well as obtains a kid who she names Raul Ernesto after a Cuban innovative Raul Castro and also Ernesto Guevara. Patria likewise offers her ranch for the motion to meet and later on heads to a hideaway. While on a retreat, the location is bombed and she sees a young boy die. The battle is done by Trujillo’s pressures that seek rebels that are concealing in the woodlands. This makes Patria to join the resistance as well as she persuades Pedrito to join the transformation. The revolutionist name their resistance the Fourteenth of June Motion.
Phase 9 is told by Dede, who though she was sympathetic of the motion she never ever joined since Jaimito would certainly not permit. In 1960 Minerva, Maria Teresa, patria and also their hubbies as well as additionally Nelson are all jailed as well as Patria additionally loses her farm. In phase 10 Patria demonstrates how their house is under monitoring and also just how she is gone to behind bars. Life is simplified behind bars by Magrita who is her relative as well as likewise a warder. Nelson is released by Trujillo.
In Chapter Eleven, Maria Teresa’s diary recounts events from March to August 1960. She narrates her experience in the prison with Minerva and other non-political women. The women are treated indignantly, and Maria Teresa endures an electric shock as her partner watches. Fearful for her, her husband cooperates with Trujillo. During a visit by the company of American States to the prison, Maria manages to covertly inform them of their conditions. This eventually leads to all the women being released.
In Chapter Twelve, the activities are suspended as Maria is placed under house arrest. Trujillo claims his only issues are with the Maribal sisters and the Catholic Church. Manolo and Leandro are sent to a distant prison, making it difficult for their wives to visit. However, the sisters manage to find a way to visit them.
In the epilogue, Dede recounts how the sisters and Rufino were killed on their way home. Soldiers beat them, and they are thrown off a cliff while still in their car. Notable themes in the book include authoritarianism, embodied by President Trujillo and his regime. During his rule, individuals are imprisoned for criticizing the government. Even minor offenses can lead to severe punishment or death. Trujillo’s portrait is mandatory in all homes, and he is venerated as a national hero. In schools, children are taught to honor the leader and despise religious authorities. The Dominican people live under ruthless control, leading to immense suffering throughout the country.
Another recurring theme is societal change. The author profoundly explores this theme by tracing the transformation of the Maribal sisters from ordinary women to revolutionary leaders. There’s a wind of change sweeping the country even under Trujillo’s reign. The Catholic Church, along with numerous individuals, openly criticize the president and his regime.
The Maribal sisters embody courage. The fear nothing, drawing strength from each other and their husbands. Their bravery is central to the narrative, which contrasts with Dede’s cautious demeanor. Dede chooses not to join the revolution due to familial obligations. Still, her courage shines through in instances like when she identifies herself as Minerva to Trujillo’s men to protect her sister. After the death of her sisters, she tirelessly looks after her nephews and nieces. Trujillo and his men exhibit cowardice, hiding behind makeup, medals, and constant laudation. His men fulfill their cruel duties without question.
The Mirabal sisters cross a line that was previously not crossed by females in society. Men held positions of authority and the place of women was relegated to the kitchen or domestic duties. The gender roles were plainly defined in Dominican culture. Minerva’s father opposed her decision to join a law school, as he believed it was more than she could handle as a woman. Although Dede was very strong and smart in business, her husband discouraged her from diving into commerce, firmly believing that women were incapable. Despite facing a failed marriage to a husband who was poor in business, Dede flourished in the field after their divorce. In the story, women challenge the constraints imposed by society. Characters like Minerva and most of her college friends ultimately succeed in their careers. Dominican society was patriarchal, with Catholicism as the predominant religion.
The book clearly informs its readers that societal change is possible as long as everyone unites for a common cause. The story further illustrates how poor leadership worldwide forces the innocent to suffer and suggests that everyone should rise against such negative leadership.
The Vital Aspects Of The Setting In The Time Of The Butterflies
The setting of a tale plays a vital role in developing and advancing the story, its motif, and its characters. Weather and location, for example, are two crucial elements of the setting of In The Time of the Butterflies, a historical story by Julia Alvarez. The use of weather, whether rainy or sunny, has been utilized throughout the story to establish an atmosphere for the story’s tone, as has the geography in developing the characters, their conflicts, and the progression of the plot.
One instance of the use of weather to create an atmosphere that suits the story’s tone occurred on October 12th, the day of the Discovery Day Dance in El Jefe’s estate (Alvarez 93). A turbulent storm arrives, disrupting El Jefe’s party and his dance with Minerva. After an uneasy night dancing with El Jefe, Minerva hides her hatred of him, preserved from her time spent with Sinita. She nostalgically recalls the same “stage fright from five years back” (98). Trying to make the most of the night, Minerva pleads for his approval to attend law school with the intent of becoming a lawyer. However, after one too many inappropriate advances from El Jefe, she forcefully reacts by slapping his surprised face (100).
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The uncertainty of the night and her sudden reaction are reflected by the sudden rain that “comes down hard,” causing “squeals of surprise” (100). The rain helps contribute to the “mysterious” and “gloomy” tones of the scene (Foster 71). Minerva worries that she may be arrested for her sudden actions. To her surprise, El Jefe decides not to arrest her, prompting a flicker of hope, or a “rainbow,” that accompanies the rain (74). However, upon leaving the party, she realizes she has left behind her purse, containing potentially incriminating letters from the traitor, Lio. This elicits feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, for if El Jefe were to find these letters, she and her family could be labeled traitors. These emotions are accompanied by the continuing “rainy spell,” wherein “the rain comes down all morning” on this “dreary day” (Alvarez 102).
Another instance of rain developing a sensation of intrigue and anxiety occurs when Patria, Maria Teresa, and Minerva journey to Monte Cristi to meet with their husbands. They are accompanied by Rufino and a soldier they met on the way. As they approach Monte Cristi, a storm engulfs the mountainside road. An ominous tone is established as Minerva observes the “steep drop just inches from the slippery road, […] the hazardous possibilities, the fumes from the malfunctioning muffler [and] the roughness of the road” (284). This sense of danger is intensified by the approaching storm, making “the interior of the Jeep […] dark and stuffy” (285). Rain is isolating in this context (Foster 71). Minerva notes that, due to the heavy downpour, she “could barely hear Patria or Mate talking, let alone Rufino and the young soldier up front” (Alvarez 286). The ambiguity and suspense of the dark and stormy night further heighten when Manolo advises Minerva to refrain from returning home during the storm and to wait out the night instead (294). Nevertheless, despite his warning and feeling “a little worried” (296), Minerva and the rest of the group decide to carry on traveling that night, only to face their formidable predators.
The geographical location of the Dominican Republic is essential for the events of this novel and in shaping the circumstances for the characters to become the Butterflies. The government of this country is ruled by General Trujillo, the self-proclaimed president who governs the nation like a dictator. Anyone who opposes or dissents him is either killed or imprisoned (Alvarez 19), with even an unintended typo in a newspaper resulting in months of imprisonment. His likeness pervades through the society as every household has a “mandatory portrait of El Jefe” (202).
Individuals are forced into apprehension either directly by the SIM or through agents who breach their privacy, invading the sanctuary of their homes. An increasing resentment from the society towards this regime leads to the formation of a resistance group. Every Mirabal sister is prompted by their own catalyst, be it the denial to exercise law or a devastating explosion during a church retreat. This sparks a revolution intended to overthrow Trujillo’s regime. The citizens of this society and country, unable to tolerate Trujillo and the SIM any longer, make possible the revolution and the agitated events leading to the end of Trujillo’s tyranny and the onset of genuine democracy in the nation.
Rain symbolizes more than just precipitation, and a location signifies more than merely where a story transpires, as manifested by Julia Alvarez’s historic fiction, In the Time of the Butterflies. Without integrating these strategies into her narrative, the Mirabal sisters wouldn’t have been able to convey their poignant tales with as much significance and impact. By creating a tense atmosphere and suspense through the weather, and articulating the emotions and grievances of the people through the geography, Alvarez successfully enables the readers to vicariously experience the narrative of the Mirabal sisters as they challenge Trujillo’s regime.
