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In The Time Of The Butterflies Theme Essay

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Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies is a work of historical fiction set in the Dominican Republic that focuses on the four Mirabal sisters who bond together to rebel against the corrupt leader of their country, Rafael Trujillo. The four Mirabal sisters, Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and María Teresa form closer relationships with each other as they figure out a way to bring down the tyranny of Rafael Trujillo. Although they have a mutual goal, each of the Mirabal sisters has different feelings and thoughts throughout this time period. The theme of coming-of-age and identify is best exemplified through the character of María Teresa, known as Mate, through the ways she matures throughout the novel and becomes her own person who stands up for what she believes in.

From the beginning of the novel to the end, Mate has come from from being the innocent little girl who writes in her journal to a young woman following in the footsteps of her sisters to make a change for the better in her country. Mate has just made her first communion, and she realizes that she is much more mature than most of the other kids her age. She is writing all of her personal thoughts in a diary that her older sister, Minerva, has given to her. Mate says, “I don 't know …show more content…

With the guidance of her three older sisters, Mate has formed her true identity. Mate does not back down for what she believes in, no matter what the consequences are. She has used this quality to make a positive change for her country, her family, and herself. In the Time of the Butterflies has larger implications on the world as a whole because standing up for one’s beliefs is something everyone should try to do. This book inspires others to stay strong and not back down no matter

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