In the Time of the Butterflies Vocabulary

Questions and Answers

What is a dictatorship?

When someone has total control of the government and country through using force (correct)

When the government is elected by the people

A form of direct democracy

A system of checks and balances

What does 'hermana' mean?

sister

What does 'mariposa' mean?

butterfly

What does 'jefe' mean?

boss Signup and view all the answers

What does 'revolucion' mean?

revolution Signup and view all the answers

When did General Leonidas Trujillo hold power in the Dominican Republic?

1930 to 1961 Signup and view all the answers

What was Trujillo's formula to stay in power?

To have absolute power over DR and forming secret alliances and murdering anyone who opposed him Signup and view all the answers

How many people were executed during Trujillo's reign?

more than 30,000 people Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of the four Mirabal sisters?

Ded, Patria, Minerva, Mate Signup and view all the answers

What does the caption say about Trujillo in households during his regime?

"In this house Trujillo is the chief" Signup and view all the answers

Which sister stays at home while the others go to school?

Dede stays at home and helps her father Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva's friend Sinita try to do to Trujillo during the school play?

Tries to assassinate Trujillo by shooting a real arrow at him Signup and view all the answers

What does Sinita tell Minerva about Trujillo after the play?

Trujillo murdered her father, uncle, and brother Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Lina?

Trujillo took her and she would later disappear forever Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Sinita?

Sinita also mysteriously disappeared similarly to Lina Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva want to be a lawyer, and what does Virgilio think about that?

Minerva wants justice for people, but Virgilio thinks that she's dreaming too high Signup and view all the answers

Who was Jose Marti?

Jose Marti was a Cuban liberator Signup and view all the answers

Why don't Minerva's parents want her to see Virgilio again?

They don't want her to be affected by the ideas of communism Signup and view all the answers

Why does Virgilio leave the country?

Trujillo secretly murders thousands of Haitians to keep the Dominican race pure Signup and view all the answers

Why do Trujillo's men take Sr. Mirabal prisoner?

Minerva slapped him in public for touching her intimately while dancing Signup and view all the answers

What does the caption say below the large portrait of Trujillo in his palace?

My best friends are men that work Signup and view all the answers

How does Trujillo decide if Sr. Mirabal will be set free or not?

Rolling a dice Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Sr. Mirabal shortly after he's released from prison and why?

Sr. Mirabal dies from all the torture he endured from the command of Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

Why does Minerva accept Trujillo's invitation to law school?

That's the only way to fight back against Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Virgilio (Lio)?

Assassinated because he opposed the ideas and actions of Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

What does Manolo say is the best breeding ground for Trujillo's regime?

Fear Signup and view all the answers

Under Trujillo, what happened to people who got caught without a job?

Charged with the crime of vagrancy and later disappear to a harsh work camp Signup and view all the answers

In the first meeting of revolutionaries that Minerva attends, what does she suggest they do?

Educate people on the cruel actions that occur in their country Signup and view all the answers

What does Trujillo tell Minerva at her graduation from law school?

He never promised to let her practice law in the country Signup and view all the answers

What does Minerva say is a dictator's favorite diet?

Bread and fear Signup and view all the answers

What do the Mirabal sisters ask of the priest and why?

To persuade the church to join forces with them to fight back against Trujillo Signup and view all the answers

What phrase do people say to Minerva in encouragement and support for the revolution?

Long live the butterflies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dictatorship and Oppression

Dictatorship signifies total government control via force and elite positioning.
General Leonidas Trujillo ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961.
Trujillo maintained power through absolute control, secret alliances, and the assassination of opponents.
Over 30,000 individuals were executed during Trujillo's reign.

The Mirabal Sisters

The four Mirabal sisters are Dedé, Patria, Minerva, and Mate.
Dedé remains at home, taking care of their father while the others pursue education.
Minerva’s school friend, Sinita, attempts to assassinate Trujillo with an arrow during a play due to familial losses caused by him.

Resistance and Justice

Minerva desires a law degree to fight for justice, despite Virgilio’s skepticism about her ambitions.
Sinita shares her tragic experiences of losing family members to Trujillo's brutality.
Trujillo's regime mandates portraits of him in households with the caption "In this house Trujillo is the chief."

Disappearances and Fear

Lina and Sinita mysteriously disappear, presumably victimized by Trujillo.
Those without jobs are treated as vagrants, often disappearing into harsh work camps.
Manolo states that fear is the primary breeding ground for Trujillo's regime.

Personal Struggles and Relationships

Minerva’s parents disapprove of her relationship with Virgilio due to their communist views.
After publicly challenging a Trujillo-affiliated individual, Minerva’s father is imprisoned and subjected to torture, leading to his demise shortly after release.

Education and Activism

Trujillo invites Minerva to law school but implies she’ll be relegated to domestic roles.
Minerva accepts the invitation as it presents an opportunity to combat Trujillo’s oppressive regime.
At a gathering of revolutionaries, Minerva proposes educating the populace about governmental cruelty.

Support for the Revolution

The Mirabal sisters seek the priest's help to unite the church with their revolutionary efforts.
The phrase "long live the butterflies" unites supporters of Minerva and her sisters.
It is emphasized that a dictator thrives on "bread and fear," highlighting the need for vigilance against tyranny.

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Test your knowledge of key terms from the film 'In the Time of the Butterflies'. This flashcard quiz covers essential vocabulary related to the themes and characters in the movie. Improve your understanding of the cultural and historical context presented in the film.