In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez Book Review

In the Dominican Republic of the mid twentieth century, women were expected to be submissive housewives. Typical roles given to women included child bearing, caring for the sick, cooking meals, cleaning, and obeying their husbands. Women had to yield to the men in their lives, abiding by their fathers’ and husbands’ rules and decisions. Men obtained more power and authority over women. This system of social organization is what is known as a patriarchy. The patriarchy, which places men above women, reinforces phallocentrism, the embracement of male power. Men in the Dominican Republic had the power and authority to define women and their roles, leaving women impotent. During In The Time of The Butterflies, Julia Alvarez demonstrates female strength and authority via the Mirabal sisters. Certain sisters display a more outwardly rebellious manner, while others resort to mimicry. Throughout the novel, Alvarez shows the growth and development of the sisters as they challenge the patriarchal views of the men in their lives.  

In the fall of 1994, Patria approached Dede with an unusual appeal. “Could she bury some boxes in one of the cacao fields in the back of their old house?” (Alvarez 176). Dede was astounded by this request, believing that someone put Patria up to it. Dede elucidates that she can not go over Jaimito’s head, as it would be unfair because he is the one responsible for the land. In response, Patria exclaims, “‘But you can’t decide on your own, then tell him?”…‘That’s what I did,’ Patria went on. ‘I joined, and then I talked Pedrito into joining me’” (176). Patria did not work behind the scenes and let Pedrito make decisions for her. She does not follow the typical stereotypes of a submissive housewife. Instead, she convinced her husband to join the rebellion. Dede on the other hand is afraid to rebel against her husband. Dede falls into the icy grasp of mimicry, believing that it is her responsibility to abide by the rules of her husband. After her conversation with Patria, Dede asks Jaimito if she can join her sisters, to which he expectedly replies, no. He grew furious that Dede would ask such a thing. Jaimito “grabbed her by her wrists and shoved her on the bed, only- he said later- to make her come to her senses” (177). Dede allows her husband to overpower her out of fear. He was such a commanding and “domineering man, and so she shrank from the challenge her sisters were giving her” (177). She fears risking her marriage, as divorce was frowned upon then. Although, eventually Dede challenges this social norm and leaves Jaimito. She declares “that the power was shifting in their marriage” (194). Dede doesn’t let Jaimito overpower her anymore and makes a decision for herself. Her strength and authority as a female had developed, finally willing herself independence and freedom from her controlling husband. 

Julia Alvarez also exemplifies the female struggle for power and growth through Minerva and María. While the family is conversing, María expresses her desire to attend law school. She is following the steps of her older sister, Minerva, as, “Minerva had been agitating to go to law school” (10) for years. It was not common for women to obtain any position of power. Even Mama gives this stereotype saying, “Just what we need, skirts in the law!” (10). She uses the word “skirts” to represent women. By using an object to refer to women, Mama objectifies women as a whole. Reducing women to a piece of clothing is demeaning and degrading to women. Mama finds the idea of women studying in university shocking. She applies mimicry, succumbing to the stereotypes created by men. However, Minerva deviates from mimicry, responding to her mother with, “It is just about time we women had a voice running this country” (10). She ignores the social norms created by men, believing that women should be able to have a position in the government. Minerva reckons that women are just as capable as men are holding a position of authority. Minerva shows her courageousness when she discusses her aspiration  to study law with Trujillo, the cruel leader of the regime at this time. Minerva realizes that “If el Jefe wants me[her] to study law, Papá will have to let me[her]” (98). Most people fear Trujillo, but Minerva is determined to study law. Eventually both Minerva and María achieve their goals of attending law school. Julia Alvarez portrays the development and power of the two sisters through their perseverance and willingness to challenge gender limitations. 

In In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez exemplifies female strength and power as well as the growth and development of females through the Mirabal sisters. By defining the relationship between women and men in the Dominican Republic of the mid twentieth century, Alvarez is able to show the demeaning and inaccurate stereotypes that women possessed. Alvarez focuses on the changes each sister encounters as they challenge gender limitations and patriarchal views. Along with character development comes strength and power. During this time, men held the authority and power to define women and their roles, leaving women powerless. However, Julia Alvarez conveys that the female struggle for power can be diminished by one’s own strength and power.