In the Time of the Butterflies Chapter 11 Summary

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Questions and Answers

Who is Santicol?

A security guard who helped smuggle her notebook and other gifts from her family.

Who is Mate's favorite prisoner?

Magdalena, who is very kind and giving and also has a young daughter.

What is Leandro's code name in the cell?

Palomino Vive

How big was the girls' cell?

No bigger than Mama's living and dining room combined. Signup and view all the answers

How many other non-political prisoners were in the cell with them?

16 Signup and view all the answers

How does Magdalena describe her daughter?

Hazel eyes, 7 years old, with light brown curls that used to be blonde. Signup and view all the answers

What do they have code names for?

Security guards Signup and view all the answers

What is the code name for privileges?

Turtle Signup and view all the answers

What are the three political rules?

Never believe them, never fear them, never ask them anything. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mate say, 'Don't I have any rights?'

Because Minerva wants to use some pages of her notebook for her Americas statement for her hearing. Signup and view all the answers

What was all on Mate's agenda?

Little school morning (except Sundays), writing in her book during guard change (20 min), going to 'movies' in her head, some handiwork, helping cellmate duties, one good thing for a cellmate a day, walking half an hour a day. Signup and view all the answers

What does OAS stand for?

Organization of American States Signup and view all the answers

What is the rumor about the OAS?

It is rumored to be visiting to investigate Trujillo's suspected human rights violations. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Mate hide the notes?

In her long braided hair. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva tell Mate to say in the interview?

To read about what happened on April 11th to her and the 14th of June Movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pet's name in the cell?

Miguelito Signup and view all the answers

How many other people is Mate in a cell with?

23 Signup and view all the answers

Who gets questioned a lot?

Sina, Minerva, and Manolo. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva tell Mate not to accept El Jefe's offer to leave?

Because it would be like admitting they had done something wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Santicol is a security guard who assists in smuggling personal items like notebooks for the prisoners.
Magdalena is a kind prisoner with a young daughter, noted for her generosity.
Mate’s relationships with her fellow prisoners and family are significant, serving as sources of support and motivation.

Prison Environment

The size of the girls' cell is comparable to a combined living and dining room.
The cell contains 16 other non-political prisoners alongside Mate and her companions.
There are a total of 23 individuals in Mate's cell, indicating overcrowding and a challenging living condition.

Code Names and Communication

Leandro's code name in the cell is "palomino vive."
Security guards are assigned code names for secrecy and safety.
"Turtle" is the code name used to refer to privileges, showcasing the controlled environment in prison.

Political Insights

The three political rules prisoners adhere to are: never believe them, never fear them, and never ask them anything.
Rumors suggest that the Organization of American States (OAS) is investigating human rights violations attributed to Trujillo, highlighting a political climate filled with intrigue and fear.

Daily Life in Prison

Mate’s agenda includes limited daily activities such as writing, mending, and taking walks, illustrating the struggle for normalcy amidst captivity.
She dedicates time to mentally escape by imagining "movies" about home life.

Emotional Struggles

Mate experiences feelings of helplessness and frustration, as demonstrated when she expresses a desire for rights yet feels overwhelmed to fight for them.
Emotional exchanges about family, including descriptions of Magdalena's daughter, underline the personal connections and distress faced by inmates.

Security and Trust

The need for secrecy is exemplified by Mate hiding notes in her braided hair, reinforcing the critical importance of communication in survival.
Minerva advises Mate on strategies for interviews, emphasizing the need for careful navigation of the political landscape within the prison.

Important Characters and Events

Sinita, Minerva, and Manolo face intense questioning, indicating their roles as prominent figures in the resistance movement.
Minerva advises Mate against accepting an offer from El Jefe, viewing it as a sign of guilt, showcasing the ethical complexities faced by the prisoners.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 11 from 'In the Time of the Butterflies' with these flashcards. Each card covers essential characters and events that shape the story. Perfect for reviewing key information and enhancing your understanding of the text.