Familial Bonds in "In the Time of the Butterflies"
...n running our country.’”(10) The sisters knew they would make a difference in the world, but they did not know how and to what extent. It is evident throughout the book that the Mirabel family deeply cared for each other and concerned themselves with the well-being of others, even over their self. Mama is shown to be a strong character in this book, even though she may not be fighting the way her daughters were. She was the back-bone of the family. Some may perceive her as weak for staying with a cheating husband or for being illiterate, but what she lacked in individual prowess, she more than made up for in support for her girls. “‘You are right, senorita. Look at me. I never had a chance.’ She holds her empty hands, then looking at her eldest, she adds, ‘I want better for my girls.’”(105) The sisters had faith in themselves, but more importantly in each other. Although Dede was not originally approving of her sisters’ plans, and was forced by her husband to avoid them at times, their strong bonds remained and their love for each other overcame all obstacles. When Dede finally reached a turning point in her relationship with her husband and decided to join her sisters, they were there waiting for her. “And now, here they were, all three like a posse come to rescue her.”(177) Dede wound up caring for her late sisters children, caring for them as if they were her own. The bonds within this family were never broken, even when they had hard times. The commitments to their family made them vulnerable to pain. “Minerva just left for the capital to go back to school. Usually I’m the one who cries when people leave, but this time, everyone was weepy. Even Minerva’s eyes filled up. I guess we’re all still grieving over Papa, and any little sadness brings up that bigger one.”(124) The family dynamics portrayed throughout the novel shows deep love and devotion to their roots. Although they were more succeptible to pain related to familial tradgedy, their closeness is one which is admirable an...