Summary Of Julia Alvarez's In The Time Of The Butterflies

Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies is a work of historical fiction set in the Dominican Republic during the oppressive regime of Rafael Trujillo. The four Mirabal sisters, Patria, Dede, Minerva and Maria Teresa pass through different versions of themselves to stop the reign of this tyrannical dictator. The theme of the courage to stand up to tyranny is most exemplified through Minerva because she discovers herself and becomes consistent with her beliefs throughout the resistence of the regime. Although Minerva is still afraid of Trujillo, she puts it all behind her to learn about his intentions and after she does, she has no hesitation to act against him. While at Immaculate Conception, Minerva learns the true ambition of Trujillo and his government from Sinita, whose family has been personally hurt by him. After learning of this, Minerva sets out to rebel against
Minerva says to her mother, “I’d just left a small cage to go into a bigger one, the size of our whole country” (Alvarez 19). The small cage Minerva talks about is being trapped in the Mirabal household, thinking Trujillo is a God. After she learns about the rebellion, her views of her dictator are ruined. Her whole life she has not thought anything of women not having a voice in the government, but Minerva turns herself around and discovers her strength to change that. Although Minerva fears Trujillo, she does not show it towards him. When the Mirabal family receives an invitation to Trujillo’s party, they are shocked to see that he would especially like to see Minerva present. While Trujillo is dancing with Minerva, he becomes forceful with her and begins to throw himself onto her. Minerva knows not to give into what he