In the Time of the Butterflies Ch 9-12 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why may Dedé be avoiding contact with people she cares about?

She doesn't want to accept her marriage is unhappy, and so she doesn't talk to anyone about it, she's always been complacent, she's not involved in the resistance.

Why does Dedé begin crying during her conversation with Patria?

Patria asks her what kind of marriage she has.

What do Dedé's sisters invite her to do?

To join them in the resistance.

Why does Dedé's response to their request make her feel ashamed?

Jaimito has threatened to leave her if she gets involved, she's hiding behind her husband's fears rather than admitting she's the afraid one. Signup and view all the answers

What decision does Dedé make about her marriage in the middle of chapter 9?

She's going to leave Jaimito. Signup and view all the answers

Why does she abandon her plan to talk to Padre de Jesús?

She realizes he's a revolutionary, and will just try to get her involved, and admits she is the afraid one. Signup and view all the answers

How do the stars symbolize Dedé's marriage during her second honeymoon?

Although the stars (her marriage) might be out already, she's wishing on them in hopes that it's there. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened with Leandro, Pedro, and Nelson?

They get arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dedé learn has happened to her sister Minerva when she communicates with her?

She has tuberculosis, and the house got ransacked, she eventually gets arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to María Teresa?

She's dragged away by the SIM. Signup and view all the answers

How do the events affect Jaime and Dedé's marriage?

It brings them together, trying to help her sisters, purpose they were working for together. Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the chapter, how does Dedé join the plight of her sisters?

She's trying to keep them out of danger, inadvertently helping the revolution by saving them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Patria begin praying to Trujillo?

She wants to ask something of him, and praying is how she knows how. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Captain Peña's sexually degrading comments have on the characterization of the dictatorship?

They don't value women as people, they treat them horribly, very greedy, use degrading comments to make women more complacent as an object. Signup and view all the answers

What surprising message does Patria hear at mass?

The church is finally speaking up against Trujillo and the crimes he's committing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Patria offer in her prayers for the release of her son?

Let her be the sacrificial lamb. Signup and view all the answers

Who delivers a special note to Patria, and what does it say?

Her half-sister Margarita, it says that Mate and Minerva are safe in prison, but need medicine and food. Signup and view all the answers

How has Patria's pride been challenged in the novel?

Meeting her half-sister, her sisters getting taken, having to deal with the sacrilegious things the regime is doing. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Patria worried about Dedé?

She knows about her abandoned Padre de Jesús visit, she knows of some marriage strains. Signup and view all the answers

How is the government infiltrating the Mirabal home?

They're sending spies in their yard, bugging the home. Signup and view all the answers

How is Patria's neighbor a special strength to the family?

He helps take care of the kids when everyone else is avoiding the Mirabels, drove them to the prison when all their cars were taken. Signup and view all the answers

What does Patria realize about Captain Peña during their meeting?

He's really scared and nervous and just a little boy with lots of power, she can pray and hold the power of faith above him, kill him with kindness. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Peña have for Patria in a future meeting?

Nelson is going to be pardoned, and the sisters have refused their pardons. Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose does God call Patria's name at the end of the chapter?

To keep up on her promise, to have her son with her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does María Teresa feel the need to write in her journal during her imprisonment?

As a record, but also to express herself. Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions of the cell María Teresa is in?

Small, cramped, guards are really mean, with criminals, harsh, cold. Signup and view all the answers

How does Minerva make herself a leader among prisoners?

She stands up to the guards and staff, she leads in singing the national anthem, she's worried but proud. Signup and view all the answers

What does María Teresa learn about the cellmates she would have once thought to be beneath her?

They're all very nice and understanding, she's really fighting for everyone now, seeing them thrown in jail being good people. Signup and view all the answers

Why would pages be torn out of María Teresa's diary?

Minerva asked for them, secret information there she really doesn't want the guards to know. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Minerva and María Teresa stay in prison when they have an opportunity to leave?

They refuse to have freedom if nobody else is pardoned, they don't think they did anything wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What are some positive reflections that María Teresa has while she's in prison?

She's found her courage, people are alike as in they want freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does María Teresa become a messenger for prison conditions?

She secretly slipped a note to an OAS member. Signup and view all the answers

Why would telling her own sister be harder than telling others about her experiences in prison?

Because she had to tell about the revolution, because she was being tortured in front of her husband. Signup and view all the answers

How has her jail time changed Minerva?

She's overwhelmed way easier, slight trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dedé disapprove of her sisters visiting their husbands in prison?

She's afraid of an 'accident' happening to them on the road. Signup and view all the answers

What is the great news the wives want to share with their husbands in prison?

The OAS has imposed sanctions. Signup and view all the answers

As Trujillo loses power, how does he change in his leadership?

He becomes more desperate and manic, they're brutally punishing political prisoners, killing some of them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the bad news Minerva receives from Dr. Viñas?

There are no more true revolutionaries, but they have to let ex-Trujillo officials kill him and take over. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dedé tell the guards that she is Minerva when they are stopped on their trip?

She's always trying to protect Minerva and trying to keep her safe. Signup and view all the answers

What does Trujillo identify as the two greatest problems he faces?

The church and the Mirabal sisters. Signup and view all the answers

What are some noteworthy details of the sisters' last trip to and from the prison?

They let a young soldier in front, saying the political prisoners will be moved back to the capitol soon, a big storm is there to the prison, the men are doing better, it seems hopeful. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Captain Peña?

Head of the northern division of the SIM. Signup and view all the answers

What is La Victoria?

Women's prison. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dedé's Personal Struggles

Dedé isolates herself due to her unhappy marriage, avoiding conversations about her emotional state.
She becomes upset when Patria questions her marriage, revealing her internal conflicts.

Resistance and Guilt

Dedé's sisters invite her to join the resistance, highlighting her struggle between loyalty and fear.
She feels ashamed for not joining them, as her husband Jaimito's threats paralyze her willingness to act.

Turning Points

Dedé resolves to leave Jaimito in chapter 9, showcasing a significant moment of self-empowerment.
Her intention to talk to Padre de Jesús falters as she acknowledges her fear of becoming involved in revolutionary activities.

Symbolism of Hope

Observing stars during her second honeymoon symbolizes Dedé's longing and unfulfilled desires related to her marriage.

Arrests and Consequences

Leandro, Pedro, and Nelson's arrests mark escalating danger for the sisters and their families.
Dedé learns through communication with Minerva that Minerva is sick and has been arrested, heightening her fears.

Impact on Marital Relations

The events strengthen Jaime and Dedé's marriage as they unite to support her sisters and their shared commitment to a cause.

Spiritual and Moral Questions

Patria begins praying to Trujillo, reflecting her internal conflict and desperation for intercession for her family.
Degrading remarks from Captain Peña towards Patria underscore the regime's disregard for women's dignity.

Shifts in Influence

The church's newfound stance against Trujillo's crimes offers Patria hope in her fight against the regime.
Patria's prayerful willingness to be a "sacrificial lamb" demonstrates her selflessness for her family's wellbeing.

Communication and Support

Patria receives a note from her half-sister, revealing her sisters' need for basic supplies in prison, representing solidarity despite circumstances.

Character Development

Patria's relationship with God evolves as she confronts challenges, showcasing her resilience and duty to her family.
Concern for Dedé indicates Patria's awareness of her sister's struggles within her marriage and personal courage.

Government Infiltration Tactics

The Mirabal home is under surveillance, illustrating the oppressive atmosphere and loss of privacy due to government spies.

Acts of Kindness Amidst Turmoil

Patria's neighbor plays a vital role in supporting the Mirabal family, providing help when others shy away from them.

Dynamics of Power

Patria's realization of Captain Peña's fear diminishes his power over her, allowing her to reclaim some control in their interactions.

Current Events and Consequences

Peña informs Patria of Nelson's impending pardon while the sisters refuse theirs, emphasizing their commitment to the revolution.

Imprisonment Experiences

María Teresa maintains her journal as a means to express her thoughts, reflecting on her connection to the outside world.
The harsh conditions in prison challenge her and the other inmates, highlighting the brutality of their situation.

Leadership in Adversity

Minerva's leadership emerges as she stands up to guards in prison, creating a sense of unity among inmates; María Teresa admires her for it.

Bonds with Fellow Inmates

María Teresa’s evolving view of her cellmates fosters a deeper commitment to the revolutionary cause and underscores the shared human experience.

Secrecy and Trust

Torn pages from María Teresa's diary signify the need for confidentiality in relaying sensitive information to protect themselves from guards.

Defiance in Confinement

Minerva and María Teresa's refusal to accept freedom reflects their deep commitment to others unjustly imprisoned, reinforcing their revolutionary ideals.

Personal Growth

During imprisonment, María Teresa discovers her courage and recognizes shared aspirations for freedom among inmates.

Acts of Rebellion

María Teresa serves as a messenger about prison conditions, bridging the gap between the prisoners and the outside world.

Emotional Barriers

María Teresa finds it more difficult to share her experiences of torture with Minerva, indicating a complex and protective relationship between the sisters.

Minerva's Transformation

Minerva experiences emotional trauma due to her imprisonment, altering her typically strong demeanor.

Dedé's Protective Instinct

Dedé expresses concern over her sisters visiting their husbands, fearing potential dangers on the road, reflecting her desire to protect them.

Gathered News from Prisons

The wives share good news with their husbands regarding international sanctions against Trujillo, providing a brief moment of hope.

Trujillo's Desperation

As his power wanes, Trujillo becomes increasingly brutal towards political prisoners, reflecting his fear and the regime's decline.

Shocking News

Minerva receives unsettling information from Dr. Viñas about the loss of true revolutionaries, highlighting the shifting landscape of their struggle.

Protectiveness in Danger

Dedé's instinct to claim she is Minerva when stopped by guards illustrates her deep-rooted desire to shield her sister from harm.

Regime's Focus on the Mirabal Sisters

Trujillo identifies the church and the Mirabal sisters as primary threats to his power, showcasing their impact on the rebellion.

Journey to the Prison

The sisters' journey to prison is marked by hope, as they encounter a soldier signaling a change for the political prisoners' treatment.

Captain Peña's Role

Captain Peña, the head of the SIM's northern division, embodies the oppressive forces opposing the Mirabal sisters and their cause.

La Victoria Prison

La Victoria is a women’s prison, symbolizing the harsh reality faced by female political prisoners in the struggle against dictatorship.

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Description

This quiz focuses on chapters 9 to 12 of 'In the Time of the Butterflies', exploring key themes and character developments, especially revolving around Dedé's internal struggles. Test your understanding of Dedé's relationships and her avoidance of confronting painful truths in her life.