In history, people often look over Latin America and their fight for independence is often forgotten. One instance of a disremembered independence is the Dominican Republic’s underground revolution against dictatorship under Trujillo. In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez retells the story of the Mirabal sisters and their sacrifice for change. The four Mirabal sisters (Patria, Dede, Minerva, and Maria Teresa) work as a unit along with others to raise awareness against oppression. Although Dede is the only one to survive, the sisters are well known in Latin America for their efforts. In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s speech, “The Solitude of Latin America,” his statement rings true when he explains that “In spite of [a history of violence], …show more content…
Latin and South America often face hardships that can setback the development of a country. Latin American countries tend to be underdeveloped than the rest of the world, but “neither floods no plagues, famines nor cataclysms, nor even the eternal wars of century upon century, have been able to subdue the persistent advantage of life over death” (“Gabriel”). Latin Americans are able to recover from death and natural disasters and return stronger. Throughout In the Time of the Butterflies, the Mirabal sisters face hardship while under scrutiny and abuse from Trujillo. Trujillo’s police burn down Patria’s house and take Nelson and her husband to jail. When the loss of a son to jail, Patria fills with grief, she prays that “Jefe, give [her] back [her] son. Take [Patria] instead, [she will] be your sacrificial lamb” (Alvarez 203). Patria is willing to sacrifice herself in order to recover her old lifestyle which centers around her family. She responds to Trujillo’s action with more drive and motivation to overthrow the regime. Her drive results in Patria discovering her passion for service and rebellion. Her passion for service derives from her motherly personality. Patria’s passion gives her life and purpose. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s statement of responding to violence with life is true in the Mirabal sisters’ fight for independence against dictatorship. Overall, global rebellions often result in war or violence. For example the French Revolution, one of the most violent, resulted in over one million deaths. With the numerous deaths and hardships, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s speech is applicable on a global scale and not just Latin America. Even in the face of violence citizens are willing to band together to terminate oppressive governments and procure