The Bravery of Minerva in In The Time of The Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Besides, she is the leader of her group of friends and is willing to do anything, regardless of the consequences, to protect herself from punishment, which

The novel In the time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvares is an incredible story about four sisters , known as the Mirabel sisters from the dominican republic. They want to over throw the Evil dictator rafael Trujillo. As a result of the deaths of the three sisters Dede is left to tell the story of her sisters and continues to keep the story alive. The author tells the story in a way where you can see how each sister shows courage and purpose. One of the purposes used in this novel was to show how important it is to help and care for others just like the Marible sisters cared for each other.

Then we will be able to do it. I keep thinking it shows something special about my character” (Alvarez 37). The quote shows that she is naive to what Trujillo is doing in the country. She also looks up to him and respects him because she feels lucky he is their president, but in reality, he is doing horrible things.

She held the point that what she did was absolutely right, but she didn’t want others in the town to know she was the writer of this letters. This was ironic since she hided the things she thought were correct.

Minerva and finds this. She decides to burn it because if Minerva saw it she would go with Lío.

Based on a true story, ‘In the Time of the Butterflies’ is a captivating, moving, and superb story written by Julia Alvarez. It takes its readers through the challenges and acceptances of a growing family and the life changing moments for the Mirabal sisters. These sisters will forever be remembered in Dominican Republic because of their honorary fight for their country. As women, their story is inspirational. However, two sisters that stand out the most to me are Patria and Minerva Mirabal, these sisters are perhaps the most conspicuous because they are complete polar opposites. Yet, no matter their differences they will always be remembered as the Butterflies. (not really satisfied with this intro)

The final chapters of In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez left me staring at the book for a few minutes. Not only did the deep characters have me enthralled towards the end but also the theme of the novel really spoke to me. In chapter 7 Maria gets a new diary and write about how she has a crush on two of her cousins( which is kind of strange but acceptable in that culture I guess). Late when asked which cousin she picks she chooses neither. Then she goes and moves in with her Dedè and her sons who have stated an ice cream business that fails. Minerva gets married and pregnant. Later she finds out he husband cheated on her and they move. Trujillo then takes away Minerva’s ability to practice law. Maria and Minerva

even died for this cause. Minerva Mirabal is a heroine because of the way she stood up to

Most stories that are told from the point of view of a single narrator portray a clear antagonist that may dislike, conflict with, or pose a threat to the person who is narrating the story. In In The Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez, the most apparent antagonist in the story is the ruthless dictator of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Trujillo. However, Trujillo was only seen as a threat to society by the people that wanted to get rid of him, the people that he was making suffer for his own benefit. If one was to look at this issue from the government’s perspective, Rafael Trujillo would be the evident protagonist of the story, even despite his atrocious ruling expertise.

When writing about important historical figures, people often make the error of building these figures into the image of an invincible, godlike hero, when in fact, they are ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things. The author of In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez, takes a historical figure, Minerva Mirabal, and shows the completely human side of the woman who inspired the revolution against the Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo. Despite her self-doubt and other insecurities, Minerva exhibits remarkable courage that inspires a revolution.

“not the monster society thinks I am…” because since her 20 years in prison she has been caught

“If you don’t study your history, you are going to repeat it” (312). Dedé states this in In the Time of the Butterflies after being questioned why she shares her story. The historical fiction novel by Julia Alvarez, takes place in the 1940’s, under the dictatorship of Trujillo, and in 1994 when Dedé recites her family’s historic and engrossing life. The Mirabal sisters up rise against the government, hoping to gain freedom for the Dominican Republic. Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies exemplifies the attributes Vladimir Nabakov would consider necessary for great literature as specified in his essay, “Good Readers and Good Writers.” Alvarez’s masterpiece focuses on a rebellious young woman who challenges the dictatorial Trujillo

explained the story of Trujillo dancing with her, "He yanks me by the wrist, thrusting

Minerva was a truly incredible person. She was just as ordinary as anyone else, but

Both Minerva Mirabal from In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez and Antigone from Antigone by Sophocles sacrificed their lives for something that they believed in; this is something they had in common. They had many other things in common also, as well as differences that set them apart from each other and those around them. Both characters were religious, strong-headed, and independent. Neither were afraid to oppose adversity for what they believed was correct. However, their family lives were very different, as well as the time periods that they were from, their cause of death, and what they stood for. These characters are both similar and different, but they were both courageous and kind for standing up for themselves and others.