The Courage of Minerva Mirabal in Julia Alvarez’s Novel in the Times of Butterflies

The typical American would be shocked if provided with the knowledge that North America has actually bred genocidal lunatics. They would certainly be additionally shocked when informed that this lunatic lived and died as recently as the twentieth century. That vile ogre's name was Rafael Trujillo. This villain inspired many to stand against him, but the most famous were the Mirabal sisters. Minerva Mirabal, one of the sisters, was a prime example of courage. As depicted in the novel "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez, Minerva demonstrated bravery in all aspects of her life, despite the potentially dangerous consequences that could have befallen her.

Minerva Mirabal displayed her courage when face-to-face with Rafael Trujillo. On page 19, Alvarez describes a scene where the girl exemplified the courage she discovered within. "I began crying, but I squeezed my arms to stop. I needed to be brave for Sinita." Even at a young age, Minerva exhibited selfless qualities. When confronted with a tragic story that made her cry, she told herself to stop for Sinita's sake. This is among several examples of altruism that prove the existence of inherent bravery within Minerva.

Minerva Mirabal exhibited her bravery once again in her encounter with Rafael Trujillo. Alvarez describes a scene on page 100 where the young woman confronts Trujillo. "He pulls me by the wrist, thrusting his pelvis at me in a repellent way. I can see my hand in an endless slow motion rise—a mind all its own—and descend on his astonished, fabricated face." Minerva slapped the "president" of her own country, despite knowing full well that he was a murderer. She performed this act, knowing she could be executed for it—a testament to her true courage.

Minerva Mirabal demonstrated significant amounts of bravery for not just herself, but also for those around her. In the following excerpt from the novel, Maria Teresa describes an intriguing conversation between her and her older sister. "I asked Minerva why she was doing such a dangerous thing. Then she said the strangest thing. She wanted me to grow up in a free country" (Alvarez 39). Despite knowledge of the potential fatal consequences, Minerva chose to try to shape her country for the betterment of her sister. This decision led to her death at the hands of Trujillo's henchmen, even when offered several chances to escape or be absolved. The story attests to the inherent courage within her, prioritizing the safety and welfare of others (namely her sister) over her own.

Minerva Mirabal was the embodiment of courage, as evidenced by her actions throughout her life. She established her position as the epitome of bravery during those moments, the pinnacles of her efforts to overthrow the ruthless monster known as Rafael Trujillo. Despite the hardships she faced, she rose above the challenges, becoming the hero her cause required. Minerva Mirabal lived in a way that demonstrated she was the true incarnation of courage.

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