Family Moments
Why is Anita waiting with her cousins outside?
She was waiting for her first sight of snowfall.
How does the theme of loss play a role in this chapter?
She loses her home, dad, uncle, and her old life.
What does Anita’s family have to do to stay safe after her father is arrested?
Go into hiding.
What city does Anita and her mother escape to?
New York City.
What real dictator ruled the Dominican Republic during Anita’s story?
Rafael Trujillo.
What does Anita learn about her father and uncle’s fate?
They were killed.
How does the author use Anita’s diary entries to reflect her inner thoughts and emotions?
They provide an intimate look into her grief, fears, and hope.
Why were Anita’s father and uncle targeted by the government?
They were part of the resistance against Trujillo.
Who helps Anita and her mother leave the Dominican Republic?
The American consul.
What historical event is referenced in Before We Were Free?
The assassination of Trujillo and the resistance movement.
What happens to Anita and her mother once they arrive in the United States?
They are welcomed by their relatives and begin adjusting to their new life.
How does the chapter reinforce the novel’s historical context?
The events in Chapter 11 mirror real-life struggles of families affected by Trujillo’s dictatorship, showing the lasting impact of political oppression.
How does Anita’s family honor her father’s sacrifice?
Continuing their lives in freedom and remembering his bravery.
What does Anita have to do to stay safe while in hiding?
Stay silent and not write in her diary.
Why did Julia Alvarez write Before We Were Free?
To share the struggles of the families that lived under Trujillo's dictatorship.
How does Anita’s family prepare to leave the compound?
They leave in small groups, ensuring Trujillo’s forces don’t notice them.
What does the ending of the chapter suggest about Anita’s future?
While she still carries trauma, Anita’s ability to keep going suggests she will find a way to heal and build a new life, honoring her father’s legacy.
what does Anita learn about being brave?
That bravery sometimes means enduring hardship and loss.
How does Anita feel about leaving her home?
Heartbroken and scared, but also relieved.
How is the story connected to Alvarez’s own life?
Her family fled the DR due to political persecution.
How does Anita’s relationship with her mother change after they leave the Dominican Republic?
They grow closer as they rely on each other for emotional support, especially after the loss of Anita’s father.
How does Anita’s understanding of freedom evolve in this chapter?
She begins to see that freedom is not just about escaping danger but also about finding the strength to move forward despite hardship.
How does the novel show the impact of political resistance on families?
Through Anita’s loss of her father, her family’s exile, and the dangers they face.
What event forces Anita and her mother to flee?
The execution of her father and uncle.
What does the Author’s Note say about the importance of remembering history?
To honor those who fought for freedom and to prevent history from repeating.