Characters
Minerva’s close friend at school, who first exposes her to the horrors of Trujillo’s regime.
Sinita
The novel begins in this year, when Dedé recounts the story of her sisters.
1994
The Mirabal sisters' growing opposition to Trujillo exemplifies this theme of standing against injustice.
Resistance
The anacahuita tree outside the Mirabal home stands as a symbol of this, representing both family strength and a growing revolutionary spirit.
Resilience and legacy
The name of the Catholic school the three sisters attend is _________.
Imaculada Concepción
This character is initially drawn to religious life but later experiences a personal awakening about injustice.
Patria
The book shifts between past and present perspectives, making use of this storytelling technique.
Nonlinear narrative structure
Patria’s initial devotion to this before becoming involved in the resistance.
Religion
The rabbits that Minerva watches in their cages represent this broader theme about women under Trujillo’s rule.
Oppression and lack of freedom
In a significant early moment of disillusionment, Minerva discovers this hidden detail in her father’s life that shakes her view of him.
The existence of his other family
Code Name: Palomino
Leandro Guzman Rodriguez
During a religious retreat, Patria experiences a moment of realization about the brutality of Trujillo’s regime when she witnesses this shocking event.
The bombing of a group of rebels by Trujillo’s forces.
The oppressive environment of Trujillo’s regime reflects this psychological theme that affects many Dominicans, including the Mirabal sisters.
Fear
María Teresa’s buried diary symbolizes this aspect of the resistance, showing how voices must be hidden but not silenced.
Secrecy and historical memory
María Teresa's diary includes drawings and coded language that reflect her growing awareness of this underground activity.
The transport of weapons for the revolution.
Who is Nelson?
Patria's son who is imprisoned
María Teresa’s sections are distinct because they are written in this format.
Diary entries
This theme is especially evident when Minerva and her sisters risk their safety by participating in the underground movement, demonstrating their commitment to ____.
Self-sacrifice for justice
The recurring imagery of rain and storms in the novel reflects this, foreshadowing turmoil and the challenges faced by the sisters.
Impending conflict and political unrest
Minerva is told that Trujillo’s loaded dice are made from this material:
Bone stolen from Columbus’s crypt
This family member represents compliance with Trujillo’s system and opposes Minerva’s involvement in politics.
Enrique Mirabal (Papa)
The sisters first become aware of Trujillo’s abuse of power when this schoolmate is taken away and never returns.
Lina Lovatón
As the Mirabal sisters become more involved in the underground movement, they increasingly rely on each other for strength and survival. This highlights the theme of ____.
Sisterhood or solidarity
Patria's lost baby becomes a symbol of this, leading her to re-evaluate her faith and later join the resistance.
Suffering and rebirth
The name of the radio station that announced “¡Cuba libre! ¡Cuba libre!”
Radio Rebelde