Themes
What is a theme in the novel about Trauma?
Trauma affects everyone differently.
Trauma can lead to a physical response or change who you are.
Trauma can last a long time.
What is the name of the American boy Anita had a crush on in the beginning of the novel?
Samuel Adams Washburn
What are the SIM?
Trujillo's secret police.
How does Trauma affect Anita?
She loses her voice.
She puts the crucifix in her mouth.
Who is Chucha?
Anita's family's Haitian maid who has been with Anita her whole life.
What is a theme in the novel about Freedom?
Freedom sometimes requires sacrifice.
What is the real identity of Mr. Smith?
Rafael Trujillo
What is one of the things that helped Trujillo come to power?
He was the commander of the Dominican.
The US supported and trained him in the beginning.
How does Trama affect Lucinda and Mundin?
Lucinda gets a rash that she scratches.
Mundin bites his nails.
What color does Chucha always wear?
Purple
What is the theme in the novel about Family?
You should trust your family.
Your family can keep you safe in difficult times.
Which two members of Anita's family are arrested by the SIM?
Papi and Tio Toni
Why did Trujillo stay in power for over 30 years?
He did some good things like lower crime and build roads and trade with other countries.
People were afraid to stand up to him.
What does the lamp with the monkeys covering their eyes, nose and mouth represent?
Hear no evil, see no evil
Secrecy
Where does Chucha sleep?
A coffin
What is a theme in the novel about Bravery?
You can only be brave if you are afraid.
What is the nickname that Anita's family calls her at the beginning of the novel?
Cotorrita
Who was supposed to take control of the army after Trujillo was killed?
General Pupo
What does the eraser in the shape of the DR represent?
Anita's desire to change her country.
What does this saying mean: "No flies fly into a closed mouth."
If you keep your mouth shut, no one will learn your secrets.
What is the theme in the novel about Loss of Innocence?
As you get older, you lose your innocence.
As you learn more about the world you lose your innocence.
What is the name of Anita's uncle who leaves DR with his family at the beginning of the novel?
Tio Carlos
Who took over the country after Trujillo was killed?
Trujillo's son, Ramfis.
What do butterflies represent (not the sisters)?
Freedom
Change
Growing Up
What do Chucha and Papi always tell Anita to do when the time comes?
Fly Free