Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Dedé do while waiting for the interviewer?
What does Dedé do while waiting for the interviewer?
Takes care of her butterfly orchid.
Which of Dedé's sisters had the following personalities: strict, very young, and religious?
Which of Dedé's sisters had the following personalities: strict, very young, and religious?
What prediction does Dedé's father make about her future?
What prediction does Dedé's father make about her future?
She will become a millionaire and outlive everyone else in the family.
Everyone in the family feels comfortable discussing their future.
Everyone in the family feels comfortable discussing their future.
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What does Minerva remember trying to do with a rabbit?
What does Minerva remember trying to do with a rabbit?
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What compromise do Patria's parents come to regarding her education?
What compromise do Patria's parents come to regarding her education?
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What does Minerva give to Sinita as a friendship button?
What does Minerva give to Sinita as a friendship button?
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What does Minerva offer to tell Sinita in exchange for sharing a secret?
What does Minerva offer to tell Sinita in exchange for sharing a secret?
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Trujillo becomes president through legitimate means.
Trujillo becomes president through legitimate means.
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What happens to Lina after the birthday party thrown for her by Trujillo?
What happens to Lina after the birthday party thrown for her by Trujillo?
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Minerva expresses her political views openly at school.
Minerva expresses her political views openly at school.
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What kind of remarks does Minerva make about Benefactor's Day?
What kind of remarks does Minerva make about Benefactor's Day?
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Match the characters with their actions or statements:
Match the characters with their actions or statements:
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What is the fate of the baby Patria has in the summer?
What is the fate of the baby Patria has in the summer?
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What activity does Patria engage in during the Holy Week ceremonies?
What activity does Patria engage in during the Holy Week ceremonies?
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Patria remembers being born with her arms outstretched, as though she were reaching up for _____
Patria remembers being born with her arms outstretched, as though she were reaching up for _____
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Patria finally decides to become a nun after experiencing temptation.
Patria finally decides to become a nun after experiencing temptation.
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Study Notes
Overview of "In the Time of the Butterflies" Chapters 1-4
- Dedé prepares for an interview with a U.S. journalist, who struggles with Spanish.
- Dedé showcases family photographs and highlights her sisters' distinct personalities: Minerva (strict), María Teresa (young), and Patria (religious).
Flashbacks and Family Dynamics
- Remembrance of a family night where their father predicts each daughter's future; Dedé is expected to outlive everyone while their mother silences fortune-telling.
- The family's fear of speaking out due to the regime's spies becomes evident after a tense comment from their father.
Minerva's Perspective and Early Rebellions
- Minerva recalls attempting to release a rabbit from captivity, realizing not all creatures desire freedom.
- Patria expresses a wish to become a nun, leading to family debates about education and religious schooling.
Education and Friendships
- Minerva and Dedé join Patria at a boarding school, where Minerva befriends Sinita, a girl experiencing hardships due to family tragedy linked to Trujillo.
- Sinita shares her family's history of opposition to Trujillo, leading to their demise, instilling fear and solidarity among the girls.
Political Awareness and Resistance
- The girls participate in a performance highlighting national independence, characterized as a covert protest against Trujillo.
- Minerva saves the situation by chanting "Viva Trujillo," reflecting on the tension between fear and rebellion.
María Teresa's Coming of Age
- María Teresa, feeling isolated and mocked, matures through experiences such as her first communion and interactions with boys.
- She grapples with the darker truths about Trujillo as Minerva becomes more politically active.
Patria’s Struggles with Faith and Family
- Patria reflects on her childhood, faith potential, and later experiences with temptation and motherhood.
- After the loss of her baby, Patria's faith diminishes as she faces personal and familial struggles, creating a deeper connection with her sisters’ fighting spirit.
The Pilgrimage and Revelations
- A family pilgrimage to Higüey embodies shared worries: loss, rebellion, and personal burdens.
- Patria's epiphany during the chapel visit signifies a pivotal moment of clarity about faith and community, realizing the importance of looking beyond personal struggles.
Themes
- The tension between personal desires and familial expectations under a repressive regime is a recurring theme.
- The evolution of each sister’s character illustrates diverse responses to political oppression and personal tragedy.
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Description
Explore the key events and themes from the first four chapters of 'In the Time of the Butterflies.' This quiz covers the dynamics of the Mirabal sisters, family history, and early signs of rebellion against the regime. Delve into their personalities and the impact of their education and friendships.
