Reader Response

First and foremost I would like to start off by saying for the most part I did I enjoy reading "In The Time of The Butterflies". I must confess that in the beginning I hated the book because to me it was so boring.. I finally got interested in the book when Mate starts writing in her diary about her experience at school. I feel like this part interested me the most because I myself use to have a "diary" (I called it a journal) that I use to write in when I was younger but I don't anymore. Although I was bored with the beginning of the book I was still interested in learning the story of the Mirabal sisters. I think Julia Alvarez did an awesome job telling the story. I liked how she got us (the readers) emotionally attached to each character almost as if we knew them personally. Overall I thought the book was good and the story is great. I would defiantly recommend the book to other readers as well. (:

Courage

As I finished reading the book "In The Time of The Butterflies" I couldn't help but notice that Minerva shows the most courage throughout the whole novel. As a young women she slaps Trujillo for what she feels was an inappropriate behavior and defends herself and her family from his attitudes. As Minerva grows into an adult she books a resistance group that is determined to overthrow Trujillo. She actively recruits other to join the resistance. Minerva and her sisters then become imprisoned but she doesn't not have any fear she bravely faces the situation and uses it to further promote the cause. She also helps the women in prison and uses her time to teach them to live a better life and inform them of the rsistance. Minerva Mirabal is a strong independent women and I hope to one day be like her.

Rhetorical Devices

As I continue to read In the time of the butterflies I notice repetition in chapter 10 coming from Patria. Throughout chapter ten Patria is battling with depression that involves both her son Nelson and her husband Pedro being imprisoned. One night Patria confesses to her mother a promise which involves her sacrificing herself to save Nelson. Repetition of the phrase, "And on the third day he rose again.." (Alvarez 200) is used to emphasize her related suffering to Jesus. When Patria makes the decision to sacrifice herself for her son she is relating to Jesus's actions of sacrifice for his people. This show how Patria is again strengthening her ties with her religion. Alvarez having Patria use a quote from the bible can help the reader understand the influence of God on Patria's actions. I must go now the doubtless are calling.

Patria Changes

As I finished reading chapter eight I noticed a dramatic change in Patria. Patria went from being a good religious women who doesn't want anything to do with the revolution against Trujillo to now wanting to join. Patria changes while on a church retreat. Patria witnesses a young boy shot and killed while attempting to hide from Trujillo's soldiers. The boy reminds Patria of her own child Norris. "His eyes found mine just as the shot hit him square in the back. I saw the wonder on his young face as the life drained out of him, and I thought, Oh my God,  he's one of mine!" (Alvarez 162) . Patria feels that this is one of her own children and makes her leave this experience as "a changed women", carrying the dead boy. She now feels that she can sit back and watch Trujillo continue on doing his horrible tactics she must help put an end to it and join the revolution against Trujillo. I must go now Tobias needs me goodbye for now.

Figurative language in the time of the butterflies

As I continue to read this book I've noticed that Julia Alvarez uses a lot of figurative language in her writing. Figurative language is used to show more detail about how a person is feeling or how things are. The most important figurative language I found was when I was reading the end of chapter six. At the end of chapter six Minerva and Mama are at the capital speaking to Trujillo. Trujillo still wants Minerva despite of what happened at the dance. (When Minerva slapped him.) Minerva has no interest in Trujillo; her interest is going to law school. Trujillo then tells her they can gamble for what they want. If Trujillo wins he gets Minerva and if Minerva wins she can leave freely and he will consider letting her go to law school. Before they gamble minerva notices the dice set on the scale are not equal which means they are fixed for Trujillo to always win. "He lifts a set of dice from his scales, upsetting the balance. " (Alvarez. 114) . This is a symbol because it symbolizes how Trujillo doesn't play fair and likes to cheat to get his way. Trujillo is a crooked man but Minerva is smart enough to notice his tricks and get around them. The two of them both roll the same number and call it equal. Minerva is able to walk away without any strings attached. I must go now the dauntless are calling til next time my friends!

Conflict within the sister's

Throughout the story the Mirabel sisters are faced with several conflicts. Internally each of the sisters struggle with becoming who they truly are and also the desire to please their family. They each must decide if loyalty is the best for them or being involved in politics is the best choice for them; while trying to be good daughters, and sisters to their family. Externally the sisters must choose to get involved with the political side of Trujillo and doing the right thing. Minerva is very well against Trujillo and wants to bring him down and have a free country. Patria has a hard time choosing because she is unsure if she wants any involvement but at the same time she doesn't want to upset her family. Patria also has a conflict with her faith when her baby is born dead. Maria Teresa is still learning about the bad acts of Trujillo and still has time to decide what she wants to do. Dede however doesn't seem like she wants anything to do with politics. Overall I will continue to read and tell you more as I get further into the story. Good-bye for now. 

Hi, I am Tris Prior. I am currently reading "In The Time Of The Butterflies" while hiding from the Euridte and Dauntless soliders. I will continue reading and tell you more.