Identifying the storyteller in “During The Butterflies” was challenging. The book constantly shifted between the viewpoints of each of the Mirabal sisters. Even though the sisters recounted the events firsthand, it felt as if we were being told their feelings, but not directly from each sister. Eventually, I looked back to the start of the story and realized that the book’s narrator was the reporter who visited Dede’s house every year on November 25th. Through Dede, the reporter – an outsider – was able to present what happened, the sisters’ feelings and thoughts, without speaking in the first person. The reporter’s tour of Dede’s home, observing the portraits on the walls, was clearly from an outsider’s perspective, emphasizing details Dede wouldn’t likely focus on herself. Therefore, I believe the reporter is the storyteller of “During The Butterflies”.
However, it was especially difficult to ascertain the identity of the narrator because, although I suspected it to be the reporter, I couldn’t find a connection to the book’s author. There were no signs of a relationship between the author and any character in the story. But, diving deeper into the postscript, I found a possible link. Julia Alvarez “heard about the tale of the Mirabal Sisters when she was a young girl”, hence she wasn’t directly involved in the events of the story – the timeline didn’t align. Yet, Alvarez mentions she moved to New York and made frequent trips back to the Dominican Republic. Plus, she “sought out any information” about the sisters. This behavior akin to that of investigative reporters led me to connect the dots: she likely visited Dede, the surviving sister. I unfolded the connection between the narrator and the author. I am confident that the reporter (narrator) and the author are the same person.
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“During The Butterflies” predominantly presents political commentary surrounding the absolute control of tyranny. Trujillo, depicted as the ultimate leader of the Dominican Republic, becomes president as others above him ominously disappear. Whoever contested this reality was also killed. Trujillo cunningly removed anyone who threatened his rule. The most disturbing aspect was that Trujillo was idolized by the youth as a god-like figure.
They matured with his photo on the wall surface, right next to Jesus’. It was mandated that each family hang his picture. Kids were read stories about Trujillo and his significance in the scriptures. Even after the young sisters began to learn the truth about Trujillo, they still felt negative about it and felt obligated to love him. Young Maria Teresa still felt a sense of loyalty towards Trujillo, regardless of the negative things she had heard about him. Trujillo was an undeniably frightening figure. No one was above him. At a party where the Mirabal family was invited, Trujillo boldly touched the leg of Senator from San Cristobal’s wife under the table. He didn’t care whom he offended. Trujillo blatantly abused his power. He controlled everyone – their lives, their families, their religion, all through the fear of death. I do not believe that Julia Alvarez used her writing technique as a way to acknowledge her lack of information about the last days of the Mirabal sisters’ lives.
Julia Alvarez utilized her writing approach to characterize the Mirabal sisters, giving readers an idea of how it felt to live under the terror of the Trujillo regime. Alvarez’s method was innovative and stirred interest in the struggle. By creating diaries for the sisters, she shows us the day-to-day life in a country where freedom is suppressed. While Alvarez clarifies that not every detail in her story is entirely accurate and some parts are fabricated for the narrative, she still manages to convey the larger truth – how a painful dictatorship can control your life. Julia Alvarez’s technique elicits interest, fear, sadness, and hope in readers who might not fully understand what life was like for those living in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo’s reign.
One of the most impactful parts of the book was the section depicting the girls in prison. It took us inside the prison walls, showing us just how harsh incarceration could be. The women were treated poorly, and their time in prison mentally drained them. However, they remained resilient and kept up the spirits of their fellow inmates. The story also depicted the loneliness that inmates felt and how some women turned to each other sexually to fill the void that prison life left. This book had many powerful and inspiring elements. One scene that I particularly liked was in the beginning when Minerva and her parents were forced to meet Trujillo, having left the party before he did, which was against the law.
Minerva showed her nerve in that room, not pulling back from Trujillo. As opposed to approaching him apologetically and asking for forgiveness, she makes a play for her wish of going to university. She gambles with Trujillo, if she rolls higher, she can go to the university. However, if she loses, Trujillo “gets his wish”. Trujillo wants Minerva, and he does not even feel uncomfortable about gambling for Minerva right in front of her parents. In the end, they draw, so neither get what they want. Throughout this scene, Minerva demonstrates her strength by not acting submissively towards Trujillo, who already observed at the party that she is no pushover. I found this scene to be a pivotal transition where Minerva admits that she knows Virgilio, a fact she denied in the past.
This was one of the most memorable parts of the book. Out of all the sisters, I initially liked Dede’s character the least. There is no question in my mind that the most courageous sisters were Minerva, Patria, and Maria Teresa. They were more determined, or “gung ho” about the revolution. Dede, on the other hand, began later than the rest, and perhaps, for not the best reasons. Initially, she was uncertain whether or not to participate in it. She often cried and sought advice. Dede was loyal and stood by her sisters, but they fought for what they genuinely believed in. Dede was portrayed as uncertain and more fearful than the others. This is why I liked Dede less than the others during the time of the revolution.
However, in retrospect, Dede should be given much more credit as she kept their memory alive. Dede dedicated the rest of her life to ensuring that the extraordinary story of her sisters’ lives and deaths will always be remembered. This is why ultimately, Dede’s character is a likable one. Dede’s role was pivotal in the story, because without her, we would not have the concrete facts. Dede is telling the world everything that she saw and endured. Dede’s role is the most significant because, without her, we might not have been blessed with “In the Time of the Butterflies”.
The Courage Of Minerva Mirabal In Julia Alvarez’s Novel In The Times Of Butterflies
The typical American would be shocked if provided with the knowledge that North America has actually bred genocidal lunatics. They would certainly be additionally shocked when informed that this lunatic lived and died as recently as the twentieth century. That vile ogre’s name was Rafael Trujillo. This villain inspired many to stand against him, but the most famous were the Mirabal sisters. Minerva Mirabal, one of the sisters, was a prime example of courage. As depicted in the novel “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez, Minerva demonstrated bravery in all aspects of her life, despite the potentially dangerous consequences that could have befallen her.
Minerva Mirabal displayed her courage when face-to-face with Rafael Trujillo. On page 19, Alvarez describes a scene where the girl exemplified the courage she discovered within. “I began crying, but I squeezed my arms to stop. I needed to be brave for Sinita.” Even at a young age, Minerva exhibited selfless qualities. When confronted with a tragic story that made her cry, she told herself to stop for Sinita’s sake. This is among several examples of altruism that prove the existence of inherent bravery within Minerva.
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Minerva Mirabal exhibited her bravery once again in her encounter with Rafael Trujillo. Alvarez describes a scene on page 100 where the young woman confronts Trujillo. “He pulls me by the wrist, thrusting his pelvis at me in a repellent way. I can see my hand in an endless slow motion rise—a mind all its own—and descend on his astonished, fabricated face.” Minerva slapped the “president” of her own country, despite knowing full well that he was a murderer. She performed this act, knowing she could be executed for it—a testament to her true courage.
Minerva Mirabal demonstrated significant amounts of bravery for not just herself, but also for those around her. In the following excerpt from the novel, Maria Teresa describes an intriguing conversation between her and her older sister. “I asked Minerva why she was doing such a dangerous thing. Then she said the strangest thing. She wanted me to grow up in a free country” (Alvarez 39). Despite knowledge of the potential fatal consequences, Minerva chose to try to shape her country for the betterment of her sister. This decision led to her death at the hands of Trujillo’s henchmen, even when offered several chances to escape or be absolved. The story attests to the inherent courage within her, prioritizing the safety and welfare of others (namely her sister) over her own.
Minerva Mirabal was the embodiment of courage, as evidenced by her actions throughout her life. She established her position as the epitome of bravery during those moments, the pinnacles of her efforts to overthrow the ruthless monster known as Rafael Trujillo. Despite the hardships she faced, she rose above the challenges, becoming the hero her cause required. Minerva Mirabal lived in a way that demonstrated she was the true incarnation of courage.
