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The Theme Of Courage In In The Time Of The Butterflies By Judy Alvarez

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Courage what does it look like? For instance, In the time of the butterflies, written by Judy Alvarez Minerva gives one of the most sadly beautiful examples through themes of loss, torture, and depravity of her dreams. One of the first and best examples of Minerva's courage is at the Discovery Day Dance. Minerva is invited to one of Trujillo's banquets and is asked to dance with him. He tries to make moves on her touching her inappropriately and pulling her closer to him. She reacts mindlessly and swiftly slapping him in the face and pushing him away describing what she could feel at the moment. Her “hand in an endless slow motion rise- a mind all its own- and come down on the astonished, made-up face” (Alvarez 100). She defended herself and her dignity against a …show more content…

When Minerva was arrested and put in jail even with the presence of abuse of power and the jail's disregard for her life, she was able to reconcile with herself and organize a movement. She had her sister Patria send her crucifix necklaces, and with the necklaces, she and the inmates wore them and sang hymns in an act of solidarity until Trujillo decide the church was conspiring against him. The guards were ordered to seize anyone in possession of a crucifix and confiscate them “but when they grabbed Minerva, she started kicking and swinging her arms. Santiclo’s cap flew across the room and Tiny was smacked in the face.” (238). Because of this Minerva ended up with 3 weeks of solitary, yet she didn't care. Minerva knew the consequences but she also knew how important the movement was to her and how important it was to dethrone Trujillo. So nonetheless she swallowed any fear and any hesitation to fight for what she believed in with comradery and audacity. Minerva's audacity never fails or falters “The butterflies were not about to give up! We had suffered a setback But we had not been beaten” (Alverez

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