Meet the Mirabals
This sister is the boldest and stands up to Trujillo at the party.
Who is Minerva?
This dictator ruled the Dominican Republic during the time of the novel.
Who is Rafael Trujillo?
Minerva’s desire to become this profession represents her longing for justice and equality.
What is a lawyer?
Minerva discovers that Papá has been hiding these from her.
What are letters from Lío?
Trujillo orders that every household and business must display this in a visible place.
What is his portrait?
The youngest Mirabal sister, known for her epistolary format in the book.
Who is María Teresa?
Trujillo’s rule lasted for over 30 years, beginning in this decade.
What is the 1930s?
Patria has a crisis of faith when she experiences this heartbreaking event.
What is a miscarriage?
María Teresa buries this item in the ground after Minerva tells her she must.
What is her diary?
Trujillo’s spies and control create this feeling among the people.
What is fear/paranoia?
This sister is known for her devotion to religion, and she thought she would become a nun.
Who is Patria?
Trujillo’s government carried out a massacre in 1937 targeting thousands of people from this neighboring country.
What is Haiti?
Minerva compares herself to this trapped animal, symbolizing her desire for freedom under Trujillo’s regime.
What is a caged rabbit?
This beautiful schoolgirl catches Trujillo’s attention and is taken away to become his mistress.
Who is Lina Lovatón?
Minerva is pressured to do this at Trujillo's party to show loyalty to him.
What is become his mistress?
This sister burns a letter meant for another sister, hoping it would protect both her sister and her family.
Who is Dede?
The Mirabal sisters were part of the resistance movement, and were often coined this term that meant "the butterflies"
Las Mariposas
This object, hidden by Papá, represents both secrecy and Minerva’s growing awareness of Trujillo’s control.
What are the letters from Lío?
At the Discovery Day Dance, Minerva forgets this at the party, leading to consequences for her family.
What is her purse?
People are required to refer to Trujillo by this grand title, reinforcing his cult of personality.
Who is "El Jefe"?
Dedé's reluctance to join the movement increases because of this love interest.
Who is Jaimito?
Trujillo’s influence extended into the economy, with his family owning about this percentage of the Dominican Republic’s wealth.
60-70%
Trujillo kept these unfair objects on his desk as he is talking to Minerva, Mama, and Papa, which he claims were made out of Columbus's bones, symbolizing his corruption and cruelty.
What are the Loaded Dice?
Dedé first realizes Minerva is involved in "dangerous activities" when she overhears her talking with this outspoken political figure.
Who is Lio?
If anyone is in opposition to Trujillo's power, Trujillo does this to assert his dominance and dictatorship.
What is imprisonment, torturing and/or killing of opponents and their loved ones?