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In The Time Of The Butterflies Courage Essay

1643 Words7 Pages

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that.” -Nelson Mandela. The novel “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez explains the many ways the Mirabal sisters overcome fear and oppression. At the beginning of the book three sisters are brought into a world that is controlled by a brutal dictator, Trujillo. In the middle of the book one of the sisters starts a revolution against Trujillo while the other two slowly make their way into the revolution as well, which causes them to go to jail. At the end of the book the sisters that were in jail ended up being murdered by Trujillo’s guys. Additionally, the three sisters are able to …show more content…

Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa also known as Mate exemplified courage verbally, physically, and emotionally. Their courage was effective in fighting against oppression because in order to have the power to say what they believe in they must do so without being punished. This convey’s Alvarez’s theme that when someone is in a situation where they have to talk to a higher authority then they must do so without being punished. Patria demonstrates verbal and emotional courage by asking Trujillo to release her family from jail. This is effective in fighting oppression because she had the courage to actually stand up to Trujillo and ask him to release her family and she had the power to face Captain Pena. After reminiscing about her son Nelson, Patria decides to ask Trujillo a favor. While standing in front of a portrait of Trujillo, Patria asks Trujillo to release her family from jail. Patria says, “Jefe, I would say remember you are dust and unto the dust you shall return. Hear my cry, Jefe. Release my sisters and …show more content…

Patria effectively fought oppression by using verbal courage by asking Trujillo for a favor. Mate effectively fought oppression by using physical and verbal oppression by being independent and taking responsibility. Minerva effectively fought oppression by using physical and political courage by slapping Trujillo and by voicing out her opinion about the government. Now it’s your turn: Courage over the course of the novel is Alvarez’s statement about someone who is in a situation where they have to talk to a higher authority then they must do so without being

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