To look at an example that shows nearly pure innocence, chapter three is the best example. Here, the reader follows the story of Maria Teresa as she grows up in school, but it is very clear to see her innocence right from the beginning. In Mate’s journal, she writes “What does it mean that I now really have a soul?” (Alvarez 31) and “I have that longing, I guess. Sometimes before a holiday or a birthday party, I feel like I’m going to burst. But Minerva says that’s not exactly what she meant” (Alvarez 31-32). These quotes are the perfect example of how Maria Teresa is still young, not yet understanding her sister Minerva’s definition of having a soul. Unlike Minerva, she hasn’t been opened up to the reality of her life in the Dominican Republic.