In The Time Of The Butterflies Essay

Butter(Not)Fly Away
To learn, lead and serve: this is the mission of Magnificat High School. It only makes sense that the students attending this school read books that magnify this message. Many of the books read inspire the girls to be strong and stand up for what they believe in. One book that especially encapsulates these important themes is, In the Time of the Butterflies. This book promotes strong female characters leading their community to fight for their rights by educating those around them about the corruption of their dictator. In In the Time of the Butterflies, the strong female roles whom promote education, are strongly rooted in their faith, and standing up for what is right perfectly emphasizes the mission of Magnificat school and so it must stay on the student reading list for years to come.
At the beginning of the novel the theme of education is very prevalent. The girls wish to better themselves and strive for goals

that at the time were unattainable for women. Minerva wants to become a lawyer, but is not educated enough to do so. She struggles with her father to allow her and her sister to go to school causing a big conflict, but ultimately results with their father conceding and letting them go. At school the girls not only learn their basic course material, but also about the cruelty of their dictator Trujillo. Through education the girls learn, and are able to affirm, their values and beliefs about the world around them. By educating themselves and affirming their values the Mirabal sisters are great role models for young women.
In addition, the novel also touches on strong themes of trusting in God and religion. Patria is constantly turning to God in times of trial and hardship. Though she does stray away from God at very low points in her life, she always finds her way back to her faith. Through prayer and meditation Patria finds peace within herself and with those around her. In her entries in the book Patria also mentions how she sees God all around her and tries to model her life after how Jesus led his. She is constantly looking to the Bible for how to act in her own life. At Magnificat holistic education is the foundation of the school. This novel’s emphasis on seeing God in everyday life perfectly correlates with Magnificat style of education.
Together with their newly found education and strong religious ties the Mirabal sisters are able to speak out about the corruption of their Dictator.

The sisters begin leading a rebellion by educating their fellow citizens even though this was at a very dangerous time in the country. The sisters display outstanding bravery and are admirable leaders in their communities. Since this novel is based on a true story, the impacts of the mirabal sister can still be seen today all across the Dominican Republic. The students of Magnificat are called to follow in these courageous women's’ footsteps and positively change the world.
In conclusion, In the Time of the Butterflies captures all of the major themes a Magnificat woman is called to live in her life. The novel places its values on education and prayer which parallels with the entirety of the schools style of teaching. It also emphasizes the strength of women and the contrast of leaders as seen with the good leadership of the Mirabal sisters’ rebellion and the cruel rule of

Trujillo.