In The Time Of The Butterflies Character Analysis

In Julia Alvarez’s “In The Time of the Butterflies”, the four Mirabal sisters, Minerva, Maria Teresa, Patria, and Dedé, struggle to accept the principles of courage, freedom, and fear during a time of political turmoil. As the sisters began to become symbols of hope amidst a revolution, each must discover how to define freedom and courage, as well as how to apply these concepts in their fight against an oppressive regime. Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic, hoping to silence their rebellion, sends three of the Mirabal sisters to prison. During this time, Maria Teresa beings to develop a deeper awareness of her role alongside her sisters in the battle against Trujillo, as well as further understanding of concepts such as determination and bravery. In prison, Maria Teresa feels inspired as she begins to grasp the true feeling of courage while she comprehends the impact her sister, Minerva, has made on the fellow prisoners watching as they call out, “¡Viva la Mariposa!” (238) as the guards drag Minerva away after she protests their commands. Consequently, after witnessing her sister’s small act of
Nevertheless, it is the actions of Minerva; along with experiencing the way the Butterflies have affected Trujillo’s prisoners that gives Maria Teresa the opportunity to understand how she can be courageous in the fight alongside her sisters. Prior to this character shift in character, trying to convince herself she was brave, the feeling was empty and meaningless, providing Maria Teresa little comfort to ways she was assisting the revolution. However, as she initiates her transformation, similar to a butterfly, she begins to fully comprehend what these concepts of freedom and courage mean to her, as well as how she can implement them in the fight against