In The Time Of The Butterflies Courage Essay

Throughout the novel, In The Time of The Butterflies, three sisters are able to experience Trujillo’s dictatorship. The novel is set during the years 1943 through 1994 in the Dominican Republic. The novel follows four sisters throughout their lives and describes how each sister joins the revolutionary cause at the time. In the novel, In The Time of The Butterflies, three sisters are able to exhibit courage in their own way which allows them all to join the revolution against Trujillo.
Maria Teresa is usually only seen as ‘the little sister’ in her family but through the revolution she is able to show courage even through the hardest times. Mate says, “She seemed pretty impressed with my arguing back at her like that. She's always telling me to stand up for myself, but I guess she didn't figure I'd stand up to her” (Alvarez 1.3.95). Maria Teresa shows courage by arguing with her sister. Although this is a

Mate says, “I asked Minerva why she was doing such a dangerous thing. And then, she said the strangest thing. She wanted me to grow up in a free country” (Alvarez 1.3.100). Minerva’s courage stems from a motivation: a better future for herself and her sisters. Even though it is against the rules to leave the school’s campus at night Minerva is determined to create a better future. Minerva’s rebellious personality allows her to act on her courageous ideas. Minerva narrates, “He yanks me by the wrist, thrusting his pelvis at me in a vulgar way, and I can see my hand in an endless slow motion rise—a mind all its own—and come down on the astonished, made-up face” (2.6.147). Minerva doesn’t even have to think twice about her decision to slap Trujillo while dancing. Her personality seems to have a ‘natural courage’ which allows her to let her body take over and react before she thinks. Minerva’s fiery and rebellious personality lead the way for her courageous