Time of Butterflies Chapter 8 Flashcards

Key Events in Chapter 8

• Fidel, Raul, and Che are pivotal figures in liberating Cuba.
• Patria's son, Pedrito, aspires to attend seminary school in the capital.
• Minerva urges Patria to take her infant son, Manolo, with her.

Patria's Actions and Concerns

• Patria communicates with Nelson's school to ensure he remains on campus for safety.
• She seeks solace at a church retreat located in the mountains, equipped with minimal amenities like a cot and crucifix.
• The retreat is abruptly disturbed by violence, including bombings and chaos.

Personal Tragedies and Revelations

• Patria endures the sorrowful experience of witnessing the stillbirth of her son, a tragic loss attributed to violence.
• The media covers the massacre of 49 men and boys in the mountains, highlighting the brutal realities of the regime.
• Only four individuals survive a significant explosion during the tumultuous events.

Revolutionary Involvement

• Patria engages with Acciòn clero-cultural, joining a movement focused on revolution.
• She names her newborn, Raul Ernesto, in honor of notable revolutionary leaders.
• There are concerns that Pedrito’s land may be seized by the regime if he is caught.

Family Dynamics and Changes

• Patria's home transforms into the motherhouse for the revolutionary movement.
• Acciòn clero-cultural merges with Minerva’s group, indicating a unification of efforts in the revolution.
• Patria's children, Nelson and Noris, embody the spirit of the revolution; Nelson is deeply involved, while Noris influences Patria's commitment.

Context of the 14th of June Movement

• The bombing on June 14, 1959, marks a significant event, leading to the establishment of the underground group named after the date.
• SIM, the Military Intelligence Service, instills fear among the sisters as they work to capture rebels.

Additional Family Notes

• Minerva and Manolo welcome another baby into their family.
• Mate and Leandro are noted for their increased mobility, while Dede and Jamito's business faces challenges.
• A New Year's incident involving Nelson, Minerva, Mate, and Leandro highlights personal conflicts, as they show up intoxicated.

Political Landscape

• Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Che enter Havana, signaling a pivotal shift in Cuba’s political landscape.
• Nelson expresses a desire to continue his education, while the SIM intensifies its efforts to round up dissenters.
• Padre de Jesús is unable to extend help to Patria, illustrating a theme of isolation during turmoil.