Minerva In The Time Of The Butterflies Research Paper

Minerva the Martyr
Minerva Mirabal is seen as one of the most iconic heroines in the early nineteen hundreds. Her character is strong and, still strong today. In the time of the butterflies, by Julia Alvarez, describes all of the Mirabal sisters, and how they changed their country. Minerva is displayed as strong hearted and determined. She is the main influence for her sisters to join the movement. She will stand firm in what she believes in but, she is also a normal person who made a huge difference in her country.
Every martyr has to make a difficult choice to make a change. As an individual, Minerva is very passionate and determined in what she believes in. When Minerva first hears about Sinits’s story she was doubtful because as a young

child she believed that Trujillo was a great ruler. Minerva then discovers that Trujillo is corrupt and begins to hate him. “But every time I would hear one more secret about Trujillo I could feel the tightening in my chest” (Alvarez 23). Young Minerva is very reluctant to believe that Trujillo is a bad person because he is shown all over the country as a hero. She gives him excuses like the fact that he is only a man and people make mistakes. Minerva eventually has no more excuses and has to see the bad man Trujillo really is. Through her choice of friends, she begins to rebel and go against her communist king. Her friendship with Lio is very dangerous and could put her and her family in danger. Papa states, “‘I hid them to protect you, I know of at least three of Virgilio’s friends who have disappeared’” (89). In spite of the confession that papa has given Minerva, she still upset that he hid the letters. In act of her stubbornness she puts the letters in her purse to keep them with her, but the authorities find them and she gets into trouble because of them. Minerva ignores the warning signs and is ready to take any consequence. She will risk anything for what she is most passionate about.
A hero is selfless and kind.

When she finds out that her stepsisters are uneducated, she is determined to put them into a school. “‘The girls are not in school are they? May I enroll them when I get back’” (105). Minerva cares about her sisters even though she does not know them personally. Most people would ignore the fact that they have stepsisters but, Minerva recognizes them and offers to help. She cares about her country, enough to completely go against the king and risk her life. Minerva is fully involved in the fourteenth of June movement. Once her mind is set, she has no doubts about whose side she is on. She is not afraid at all of what risks lay ahead. “I see my hand rise-all on its own- and come down on the astonished made up face” (100). After Minerva slaps Trujillo, she feels a pang of excitement in her chest. She does not run instead, she stands firm and confident. Minerva has a bravery that is hard to come by.
Even though Minerva is a heroine, she is a normal human being like everyone else. She has the bravery, courage, and determination to fight her battles but, she also has a family and children to care about. Minerva is not perfect, she also makes mistakes. She is stubborn, hotheaded, and determined. She makes a lot of hasty decisions that ultimately land her in prison, but she cares deeply about her husband and children. Although she is leading a revolution, Minerva has love and care for her family

too.
Minerva is the perfect example of a martyr; she is a hero who died for a great cause. Minerva never gave up on her decisions, and always cared for her family. She is a rebel and sacrificed a lot to make a stand. She is an ordinary person who had a voice and was not afraid to use it. Minerva Mirabal will forever and always be remembered as a great hero.