In the Time of the Butterflies Review

Questions and Answers

What is the genre of the book?

Historical fiction

What is historical fiction?

Stories set in the past during a specific period that seek to recreate the aura of a time past.

What is a flashback?

Returning to an earlier time in a story to clarify something in the present.

What do flashbacks help us with?

Understanding conflicts, character motivations, characterization, relationships, and plot. Signup and view all the answers

What is style in literature?

How the author uses words, phrases, and sentences to express ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What are the qualities of an author's style?

The qualities and characteristics that distinguish one writer's work from another's. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 1?

Dede in 1994 and circa 1943. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize chapter 1.

Dede is interviewed by a woman in March, recalling a happy time with her father telling fortunes. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 2?

Minerva 1938, 1941, 1944. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize chapter 2.

Minerva attends Immaculate Conception with Patria and Dede, meets Sinita, and learns about Trujillo's violence. Signup and view all the answers

According to Sinita, how did Trujillo become president?

Through military power, deceptive disappearances, and strategic alliances. Signup and view all the answers

What is Minerva's play about?

Minerva plays the enslaved motherland tied up until liberty and glory release her. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 3?

Mate 1945-1946. Signup and view all the answers

How is Mate characterized in chapter 3?

Innocent, intelligent, supportive, and typical little sister. Signup and view all the answers

How does the diary show Maria Teresa's growth?

Her entries begin regular and long, reflecting her thoughts and opinions, becoming less frequent as she matures. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about the other sisters in Mate's chapter (3)?

Minerva likes to rebel and often gets into trouble. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dede's real name?

Belgica. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Minerva been sneaking out of school and what is her cover?

She is visiting her sick uncle but is actually going to Don Horacio's house. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Don Horacio?

Elsa's grandfather who is in trouble with the law. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize chapter 3.

Mate gets a book from Minerva, experiences homesickness, and witnesses Minerva's rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Minerva's friend and why is she hiding at the school?

Hilda is hiding from the police due to secret papers. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mate have to bury her book?

It contains information about Hilda, posing a risk if discovered. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pearl symbolic of?

"The pearl of great price" is Patria's faith. Signup and view all the answers

When does Patria lose her faith and when does she get it back?

Loses it after giving birth to a dead boy, gains it back during a pilgrimage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the storm Patria sees coming symbolic of in chapter 4?

The storm symbolizes Patria's dark future. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Patria not become a nun?

She meets Pedrito on Holy Thursday which symbolizes her decision. Signup and view all the answers

How does Patria connect losing her faith to how she feels about Trujillo?

She parallels losing her child with Trujillo's taking away from others. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama suggest a pilgrimage to Higuey?

She believes the Virgencita can help them, possibly due to Papa's infidelity. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 4?

Patria 1946. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 5?

Dede 1994 and 1948. Signup and view all the answers

What did Fela, the old servant, do?

Channeled the spirits of the girls after their deaths. Signup and view all the answers

Who talks to the girls through Fela?

Minou. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tono's job?

He is a servant who takes calls at the museum for the girls. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva like Lio?

He studies at the university where Elsa and Sinita go. Signup and view all the answers

What do Jaimito and Lio fight about?

Jaimito accuses Lio of causing trouble and seeking asylum. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mama find out Lio is a communist?

From Mate reading the newspaper. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Jaimito propose to Dede?

In Papa's Ford because there is light there. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lio give to Dede to give to Minerva?

A letter, which Dede burns. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 6?

Minerva 1949. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva want to do with her life?

Go to the university. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Minerva take the Jeep driving?

She gets jealous of letters from Sinita and Elsa. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Papa not want Minerva at the university?

He believes he needs her at home with Mama. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva find one day while out driving?

Her dad's Ford in front of a small yellow house. Signup and view all the answers

How many children are in Papa's other family?

4, and the oldest is Margarita. Signup and view all the answers

What two forces does Minerva struggle with in chapter 6?

Romance or Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

How does Minerva find the letters from Lio Papa has been hiding?

Opening the armoire in Papa's room with a bobby pin. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva do when she finds the letters from Lio?

She takes the Jeep to the small yellow house and crashes into Papa's Ford. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the Mirabals late to the discovery day dance?

Jaimito insisted that he knew the directions, but they got lost. Signup and view all the answers

The rains this year seem more severe than ever. What is this symbolic of?

The regime and Trujillo's power has gotten more out of control this year. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Manuel de Moya?

The Secretary of state, whose job is to round up women for Trujillo. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva say she can't dance with Manuel?

She has a headache. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Minerva is dancing with Trujillo?

Minerva tells Trujillo she wants to go to university, and he makes unwanted advances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the force Minerva chooses in Chapter 6?

She chooses both romance and revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva's father slap her?

Because she hit his car with her Jeep and went through his things. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva slap Trujillo?

He makes an inappropriate comment and gesture. Signup and view all the answers

How are Trujillo and Enrique similar?

Both believe in traditional gender roles. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Papa in chapter 6?

He is taken to the capital for questioning after writing an apology letter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Papa task Minerva with?

Giving 50 pesos to the family in the middle and end of the month. Signup and view all the answers

What does governor de la maza request of Minerva?

He says she can help her father by sleeping with Trujillo. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Minerva want to enroll the girls in school?

Margarita cannot spell her name or read. Signup and view all the answers

What is Enrique's second wife's name?

Carmen Maria. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Mama and Minerva check the hotels Don Antonio de la Maza gives them?

To confirm Papa's innocence and possible house arrest. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Mama and Minerva go to the office of missing persons?

Because Enrique is now considered missing. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the office of missing persons?

Minerva assists a grieving father for his son who's gone missing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva mean in this quote, "It's all the same fight, Mama"?

Everyone is against Trujillo and the regime. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Minerva is taken into questioning in chapter 6?

She faces General Federico Fiallo and is questioned about lying to Trujillo. Signup and view all the answers

How does Papa act after he is released?

He appears shaken, has lost weight, and talks nonsense. Signup and view all the answers

What deal do Trujillo and Minerva make?

If she gets a higher number, she can go to law school. Signup and view all the answers

How does Minerva know what dice to use?

Trujillo points out the dice Chiche gave him, indicating they are loaded. Signup and view all the answers

What does Trujillo require Minerva do after their meeting?

Check in with Governor de la Maza each week. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 7?

Mate 1953 to 1958. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Papa in chapter 7?

He dies, which shapes Mate's view of men negatively. Signup and view all the answers

How has Mate developed in chapter 7 since her previous chapter 3?

She has lost innocence by learning about Trujillo and her father's unfaithfulness. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Mate's dream?

It reveals her loss of trust in men, influenced by her father. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mate dream of?

Finding her father in a coffin and her wedding dress is in pieces inside. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Minerva go with Tio Fello?

Jarabacoa as he notices she looks thin and sad. Signup and view all the answers

How did Minerva get permission to go to law school?

Mate wrote Minerva's speech praising El Jefe. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Minerva meet in Jarabacoa?

Manolo, who attends the university. Signup and view all the answers

What gives Mate a bad feeling about Manolo?

She dreams about him and is suspicious of his past engagement. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Prieto?

The Mirabal's yard boy who has been spying on them. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mate like first in chapter 7?

A lawyer named Justo Gutierrez. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mate choose to study?

Law like Minerva. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mate dream about the third time?

Armando, Manolo and Minerva's friend from the capital. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Queen Angelita?

Trujillo's daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Minerva when receiving her law degree?

She was awarded the degree, but not allowed to practice. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening between Minerva and Manolo?

There is another woman that he is seeing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Manolo's underground codename?

Enriquillo. Signup and view all the answers

What is Minerva's underground codename?

Mariposa. Signup and view all the answers

What does tennis shoe mean?

Ammunition. Signup and view all the answers

What is Leandro's underground name?

Palomino. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mate join the revolution?

She wants to be worthy of Palomino and no longer babied. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mariposa #2?

Mate. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 8?

Patria 1959. Signup and view all the answers

When did Patria marry and who?

At 16 she married Pedrito. Signup and view all the answers

How is the rain symbolic in chapter 6?

It represents negative things ahead. Signup and view all the answers

How is rain symbolic in chapter 7?

Rain on the wedding day is said to be lucky. Signup and view all the answers

What news do Minerva, Manolo, and Nelson bring on New Year's?

Batista had fled and the country was liberated. Signup and view all the answers

What does Patria name her third son?

Raul Ernesto. Signup and view all the answers

What happens on Patria's retreat?

The church she was in was attacked and it inspired the army of our Lord. Signup and view all the answers

Who narrates chapter 9?

Dede 1994 and 1960. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genre and Definitions

The book is classified as historical fiction, featuring narratives set in the past that bring historical context and events to life.
Historical fiction aims to recreate the essence of time periods, including characters, movements, and daily life.

Narrative Techniques

Flashbacks are utilized to clarify present events by returning to earlier moments in the story.
These devices enhance understanding of conflicts, character motivations, and relationships.

Main Characters and Narrative Structure

Dede narrates initial chapters, providing a modern perspective intertwined with past events.
Chapter 1 features an interview with Dede recalling family moments and intimacy shaped by secrecy.

Plot Highlights

Chapter 2 introduces Minerva during her school days and her awakening to the harsh realities under Trujillo's regime.
Key events include encounters with Trujillo and discussions about rebellion.
Sinita recounts family tragedies caused by Trujillo, establishing his tyrannical character.

Character Development

Maria Teresa (Mate) is portrayed as innocent yet intelligent, showing growth through her diary entries.
The influence of familial relations, particularly the dynamic between sisters, is evident as they navigate oppression and rebellion.

Symbolism and Themes

The "pearl of great price" symbolizes Patria’s faith, which fluctuates throughout the narrative.
The storm imagery represents dark times ahead—reflecting Patria's turmoil after personal loss.

Societal and Political Commentary

Character interactions illustrate societal expectations, such as Minerva's struggle against gender roles.
The connection between personal tragedy and political oppression is emphasized through characters’ experiences.

Key Events in Chapters

Dede’s changing views on family and country evolve through critical moments, like her father’s affair and the family's involvement in the revolution.
The political climate intensifies, paralleling personal relationships, particularly amidst Minerva's and Mate’s romantic entanglements.

Significant Relationships

Minerva's interactions with Lio and Papa reveal the opposing forces of personal desires and revolutionary aspirations.
The contrast between trust and betrayal plays out in familial ties, leading to profound emotional impacts on the sisters.

Revolutionary Involvement

Minerva’s choice to pursue law reflects a deeper commitment to fighting Trujillo's injustices.
Mate and Patria's growing involvement in the movement showcases their development from sheltered lives to active resistance.

Conclusion of Themes

By the end, themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the quest for justice intertwine, leading to tragic yet impactful resolutions for the Mirabal sisters as they confront the regime.
The overarching narrative is a commentary on the courage of women and the enduring fight against oppressive forces.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of the historical fiction genre through this flashcard quiz focusing on 'In the Time of the Butterflies'. Learn important terms like historical fiction and flashback, and enhance your understanding of the book's context and narrative style.