In the Time of the Butterflies Essay #2

                                         Las Mariposas: Transformation and Freedom

            There are many definitions and symbols regarding the butterfly. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, is a novel in which the Mirabal sisters a part of the revolution against Trujillo. The sisters are represented as butterflies, because in this case, they are all symbols of transformation and freedom. The Mirabal sisters all embody free and transforming butterflies, but for different reasons.

            Patria, mariposa number three, is a symbol of freedom and transformation. Patria throughout the novel transforms and changes. When Patria decides to be a part of the revolution against Trujillo that is her major transformation, “I knew then I had brought it up as a way of letting her know I was with her if only in spirit” (Alvarez 155). Patria is speaking of the revolution. The ‘it’ that the quote refers to his the name of her unborn child, Ernesto, a revolutionary’s name. Patria is letting her sister know that even though she is not yet fully involved, she always will be in spirit. “I got braver like a crab going sideways. I inched towards courage the best way I could, helping out with the little things” (154). In this quote, Patria describes her fight towards freedom. She started to become braver, and began to gain more courage. It took Patria a while to gain enough courage and bravery to help, even in the smallest ways. The crab described is personified as Patria, because she too, is inching toward her freedom. Patria, mariposa number three, symbolizes both freedom and transformation, which in turn constitutes her as a butterfly.

            Despite the fact that Dede is not one of the three mariposas, she still represents freedom and transformation. Dede is the second of the Mirabal sisters. When Dede starts to develop a strong political view, it is at that point she is transforming. “Lio was right, this was an absurd and crazy regime. It had to be brought down” (78). As Dede’s political view changes, she starts to agree more and more with the rebellious Lio, and her sister Minerva. While her hate for Trujillo grows, she herself changes too. In a way, Dede finds freedom in discovering her hate for the regime. She is able to look beyond the good things they are told about El Jefe, and realize the truth.

            Mariposa number one, Minerva, also portrays freedom and transformation. Minerva is the sister that has always been somehow involved in the revolution against Trujillo. Minerva’s transformation is one through sacrifice, when she has to give her only child, Manolito, to Patria. “‘But Minerva, your own child-’ I began and then I saw it did hurt her to make this sacrifice she was convinced she needed to make” (155). Minerva in this quote is giving her child to Patria because she is so heavily involved in the revolution. When she makes this sacrifice as a mother, it’s to be a part of something that will create a better future for her child. As for her freedom, Minerva has always been an independent, free, rebellious person. She was always the sister in some way fighting against Trujillo in the revolution. “I can see my hand in an endless slow motion rise- a mind all its own- and come down on the astonished, made-up face” (100). Minerva is dancing with Trujillo, and Trujillo gets a little too close for comfort. Minerva then slaps Trujillo. When Minerva slaps Trujillo, it shows how she does not let anyone, even an evil dictator, mess with her. Minerva, Mariposa number one, is a free and transforming butterfly, and she embodies those characteristics.

            The youngest Mirabal sister, mariposa number two, Maria Teresa also symbolizes freedom and transformation. Mate may be the youngest, but she is still a transforming and free butterfly. Maria Teresa’s transformations are throughout the novel because along the way she matures. But, when she joins the revolution everything changes. “I told Minerva and Manolo right out, I wanted to join” (142). This quote is referring to Mate’s joining of the revolution. Another quote that shows Maria Teresa’s transformation into a revolutionary is, “It was the shock of my life to see Maria Teresa, so handy with her needle point, using tweezers and little scissors to twist the fine wires together” (167). In this quote, Mate is creating a bomb. After joining the revolution Maria Teresa becomes very much invested into doing her part. Maria Teresa, who used to be so young and child-like, is using her needle point skills to create a bomb in Patria’s kitchen. Maria Teresa’s freedom comes along when she goes off to the university. “Tomorrow we’ll head back to San Francisco. It’s all settled. I’m going to be a day student and live with Dede and Jaimito during the week, then come home weekend to keep Mama Company” (124). Mate’s freedom is being allowed to go to college, and live with her sister and Jaimito. Though her freedom comes with the price of having to go home and stay with her mother on the weekends, she is still free is some aspects of her life. Maria Teresa is a representation of freedom and transformation, and in that way she truly is mariposa number two.

            In conclusion, all four Mirabal sisters are butterflies, and signify freedom and transformation in different ways. Patria’s freedom is gaining enough courage and bravery to join the revolution, yet that is also her transformation. Dede’s transformation and freedom both come when her political views strengthen and expand. Minerva being an independent person is her freedom, but she transforms when she has to give her child to Patria. Maria Teresa’s transformation was also due to the revolution, but also because she matures a lot. Mate’s freedom is in being allowed to attend the university. The Mirabal sisters are all powerful examples of freedom and transformation, which signifies them all as butterflies. The Mirabal sisters all, at some point, transform into becoming seriously involved with the revolution, in that way, they all want freedom and are risking their lives fighting for it: which for them, is the bigger picture.