A Literary Analysis of the Time of the Butterflies

History is a fascinating thing. It ties the events of time together and is seen every day in many different aspects of our life. One way a reader may utilize history in reading is to determine why an author wrote a book through historical criticism. Readers use historical criticism frequently when reading books, aiding them in better comprehending the stories they read. One such story where readers can easily apply historical criticism is the book, “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez.

By reading “In the Time of the Butterflies”, it will become evident that the year it was written, the author’s background, and the historical context within the book all influenced Julia Alvarez to write this book.

The year “In the Time of the Butterflies” was published has a substantial amount of influence on it. In 1994, there were numerous events occurring that could have inspired Julia Alvarez to write this book. One significant event was the Rwanda genocide. Julia Alvarez may have connected to the Rwanda genocide in a couple of different ways. For instance, she may have concluded that once again someone in power had exploited their authority negatively. This could be a reflection of what Trujillo did during his reign of terror in the Dominican Republic. Another way Julia Alvarez may have related the Rwanda genocide to her book is the demonstration of how the government had absolute control over its people. The government decided who would die and who would live. A couple of years before this book was published, the US was at war with Iraq in an operation named Desert Storm. Saddam Hussein, similar to Trujillo, was a dictator who terrorized the nation. Trujillo and Saddam share several characteristics. They were both dictators who eliminated whoever was in their way to power, making them both perilous.

Many believe Julia Alvarez’s individual background influenced her to write this book. She was born in New York City; however, she spent the majority of her childhood living in the Dominican Republic. Her life relates to her book as her father, much like the Mirabel sisters, attempted to overthrow the dictator Trujillo. Alvarez’s father was very fortunate compared to the Mirabel sisters. Some readers believe that Alvarez wrote this book in remembrance of those who failed to escape death in the Dominican Republic, like her father did. It is also believed by some readers that since Julia Alvarez is Dominican and experienced Trujillo’s reign first-hand, she is one of the few people who can truly relate to the sisters’ experiences. Consequently, she is also uniquely qualified to tell the sisters’ story.

The historical context of the book undoubtedly influences Alvarez as it mirrors what actually transpired in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo’s reign. There were four sisters featured in the book: Ded, Mate, Minerva, and Patria. These sisters resisted the government and attempted to overthrow the dictator Trujillo. Trujillo is portrayed as a ruthless man who eliminated anyone in his pathway. The Mirabel sisters were unfortunate as they were in Trujillo’s way. On November 25, 1960, three of the Mirabel sisters were murdered. “In the Time of the Butterflies” mimics what happened in 1960 by recounting the story of how the Mirabel sisters attempted to challenge the government.

History is what we make it. There isn’t anyone who can change it, but by reading ‘In the Time of the Butterflies’ through a historic lens, it will become evident that the year it was written, the author’s background, and the historical situation in the book all influenced Julia Alvarez to write this book. History happens every day: try to notice some.

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