In the Time of the Butterflies

“‘It’s about time we women had a voice in running our country.’” 

This quote works as a premonition of Minerva’s role in politics when she and her sisters join the revolution against Trujillo. It shows that women are questioning the patriarchal society that does not allow them to have a voice.

“‘You and Trujillo,’ Papá says a little loudly, and in this clear peaceful night they all fall silent.”  

Even in the relative calm of their own house, the Mirabal family knows just how far Trujillo’s reach extends. Even saying his name casually can result in trouble for the family, and shows the extent of Trujillo’s police state in the Dominican Republic.

“‘Sometimes, watching the rabbits in their pens, I’d think, I’m no different from you, poor things.’” 

Minerva identifies with her family’s caged rabbits as her freedom is curtailed by her father. She must ask him for everything, and longs to be free to go wherever she chooses.