Allende and Alvarez:
Two Different Worlds
Learning to become someone who is independent can be a difficult road. For that reason, books create role models that inspired us. By looking at individuals who rise up against injustice or refuses to follow society, we learn to be brave and courageous. Julia Alvarez’s In the time of the Butterflies, portrays a beautiful story about four young women who are not stereotypical wives and mothers. They do what many men did not have the courage to do which is to stand up to Trujillo, and make a difference. Through their stories, we see individuals who in spite of danger are able to continue to preserve through their hardships in order to stand up for what they believe in. Not only are headstrong individuals presented in Alvarez’s novel, but also in Isabel …show more content…
Rose. The quote above shows how Jeremy has the power to invade Ms. Rose’s personal belongings, but he simply chooses not to exercise his power. He is described as someone who simply cannot be bothered with things like constraining his sister. Apart from that, he shows no inclination to step up and rule his household. This is seen when he lets his sister take charge. Because of Jeremy’s personality, Ms. Rose is easily able to step up and successfully be in charge of the household.
Not only is this seen in Allende’s novel, but also in Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies. Just like Ms. Rose is able to rule her household with the consent of her brother, Patría is the one in charge. This is shown when her husband Pedrito is against the idea of the rebellion meeting in his territory. Although her husband argues against it, Patría wins him over. This is shown when she says, “He didn’t have to say it, that he was with us now” (Alvarez 165-166). Although the husband claims to be the head of the household, the one who makes decisions at the end is