In the Time of the Butterflies Mid-book Test

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Questions and Answers

The dairy style of writing is also known as the:

Epistolary format

Which of the following is true of Dede?

She is a divorcee who lives in the Dominican Republic and works as a successful insurance salesperson.

What genre is 'In the Time of the Butterflies'?

Historical Fiction

In the opening of the novel, Dede accidentally cuts the flower of her prized orchid when she is startled by the slam of a car door. What could this incident symbolize?

Violence took the family she cared for Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Lina in chapter 2?

She fell in love with Trujillo and was shipped to Miami with her baby. Signup and view all the answers

Sinita explained to Minerva that she hated Trujillo because he had members of her family killed. Who was the most recent member of her family that was killed by Trujillo?

Her brother Signup and view all the answers

What does Sinita do at the performance for Trujillo?

Holds up her bow and points the arrow at Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did Minerva have to the new history texts they were given at school, portraying Trujillo as a savior?

Disgusted Signup and view all the answers

What does Maria Teresa write about in her 'Little Book' that could be dangerous?

She writes about Hilda, her secret papers, and being caught by the police. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Lina when she had to leave Inmaculada Concepcion?

17 Signup and view all the answers

Dede was the only sister's future Papa said anything specific about in the opening chapter. What literary technique/device is evident during this exchange?

Foreshadowing Signup and view all the answers

When Papa mentions Trujillo's name in the first chapter how did everyone react?

They became silent and tense Signup and view all the answers

How is Patria portrayed in the first six chapters?

She is very religious Signup and view all the answers

How does the writer best show that Minerva is developing into a woman both physically and mentally?

She has her period and discovers the hideous truth about Trujillo. Signup and view all the answers

In the beginning of chapter 2, Minerva tries to set a rabbit free from its cage, but it is too afraid to leave. What literary technique/device would you associate with this event?

Symbolism Signup and view all the answers

Minerva, when she gets to school, says she is free, but has only moved from a smaller cage into a bigger cage. What does she mean by this statement?

She has moved from her overprotective parents, but she lives in a country that is not free. Signup and view all the answers

Minerva says 'her complications have started' after she gets her period for the first time. What is the implied meaning of the 'complications' considering what Sinita told her that same night?

It suggests that her simple view of the world would now be changed forever. Signup and view all the answers

What could the burying of Maria Teresa's book symbolize?

Her growing up Signup and view all the answers

What were Minerva's motives for wanting to go away to boarding school?

She wanted to be more educated than her parents and she wanted freedom from her parents' strictness. Signup and view all the answers

On page 17 when Sinita tells Minerva that Trujillo did 'bad things,' Minerva's tone conveyed in her thoughts is which of the emotions below?

Fear for her safety Signup and view all the answers

The author, Julia Alvarez, has total power to put words in her characters' mouths. What tone does she convey in her development of Minerva as a narrator of Chapter Two?

Childlike innocence and ignorance of adults' ways Signup and view all the answers

Who is Lio and what happens to him? What does he want Minerva to do?

Lio is a revolutionary. He leaves the country and wants Minerva to join him. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Patria's baby?

The baby is born dead Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer from the line on p.37 about Benefactor's Day (a day to celebrate Trujillo): 'Tio Pepe reminded us of the big parade next Sunday for Benefactor's Day, and Minerva said something like why don't we go celebrate at the cemetery. The room went silent as a tomb, all right.'

Minerva knows that Trujillo is a murderer because of Sinita. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva do at the party?

She slaps Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

Why does the family go to Trujillo's party?

They are afraid of what will happen if they don't Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Patria's desire to become a nun?

Patria discovers romantic love and it wins out over her desire to be a nun. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epistolary Format

The novel uses an epistolary format, presented through letters and diary entries, enhancing the personal perspective of characters.

Dede's Character

Dede is characterized as a divorcee, residing in the Dominican Republic, and thriving as an insurance salesperson.

Genre Identification

"In the Time of the Butterflies" is classified as historical fiction, intertwining real historical events with fictional narratives.

Symbolism of the Orchid Incident

Dede’s accidental cutting of her orchid symbolizes the violence that disrupted her family's life and well-being.

Lina's Fate in Chapter 2

Lina falls in love with Trujillo, leading to her relocation to Miami with her newborn child, which reflects the impact of political power on personal lives.

Sinita's Family Tragedy

Sinita reveals deep hatred towards Trujillo due to her brother being murdered, highlighting the regime's brutality against families.

Performance Defiance

During a performance for Trujillo, Sinita defiantly holds up her bow and aims an arrow at him, symbolizing resistance.

Minerva’s Reaction to History Texts

Disgust ensues for Minerva upon receiving new history textbooks that falsely depict Trujillo as a heroic savior, indicating her growing political consciousness.

Maria Teresa's "Little Book"

Maria Teresa's writings, detailing her secretive life and surveillance by the police, indicate her naivety and the dangers of dissent.

Lina's Age at Departure

At the age of 17, Lina departs from Inmaculada Concepcion, marking a pivotal moment in her life.

Foreshadowing in Papa's Remarks

Dede is the only sister specifically mentioned by Papa, employing foreshadowing to hint at future events in their lives.

Reaction to Trujillo's Name

Mentioning Trujillo's name leads to a tense silence among the family, reflecting fear and the oppressive atmosphere of his regime.

Patria's Religious Devotion

Patria is portrayed as deeply religious, suggesting her internal struggles between faith and the political turmoil surrounding her.

Minerva's Development

Minerva's physical and mental maturation is shown through her first menstruation and the shocking realities of Trujillo’s actions.

Symbolism of the Rabbit

Minerva’s attempt to free a frightened rabbit symbolizes her desire for liberation while facing constraints.

Metaphor of Caging

Minerva compares her school experience to moving from a smaller cage to a larger one, symbolizing limited freedom under authoritarian rule.

Complications of Growing Up

Minerva's acknowledgment of 'complications' after her first period implies a loss of innocence, shaped by the grim realities of her world.

Maria Teresa's Book Symbolism

The act of burying Maria Teresa's journal symbolizes her transition into adulthood and the associated burdens.

Minerva's Boarding School Ambitions

Minerva seeks a boarding school education to gain knowledge and escape her parents' stringent control, symbolizing her quest for independence.

Emotional Tone About Trujillo

Minerva's thoughts reveal emotions of fear, confusion, and comic relief regarding Trujillo's unjust actions as she learns the truth.

Minerva's Childlike Perception

The author presents Minerva with a tone reflecting childlike innocence, showcasing her ignorance of adult complexities.

Role of Lio

Lio is introduced as a revolutionary figure who urges Minerva to join him in leaving the country, hinting at themes of rebellion and escape.

Tragedy in Patria's Family

Patria's baby is stillborn, deepening her character's struggles and emotional tumult amidst political adversity.

Implications of Benefactor's Day

Minerva’s sarcastic comment regarding Benefactor's Day reveals her awareness of Trujillo's violent legacy, learned through Sinita's sharing.

Minerva's Defiance at the Party

Minerva's slap to Trujillo at the party exemplifies her boldness and resistance against the regime.

Familial Pressure to Attend Trujillo’s Party

The family's attendance at Trujillo's party stems from fear of repercussions, underscoring the climate of fear prevalent during his rule.

Patria's Changing Aspirations

Patria's romantic feelings ultimately supersede her aspirations to become a nun, revealing her complex emotional landscape.

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Description

Review key concepts and characters from Chapters 1-6 of 'In the Time of the Butterflies.' This flashcard set covers important terminology, such as the epistolary format, and insights into characters like Dede. Perfect for students preparing for a deeper understanding of the historical context and narrative style.