¡Viva Las Mariposas! Voice and Agency in In the Time of the Butterflies

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 4

9th Grade

Lesson 14 of 28

Objective


Engage in a mid-novel Socratic seminar considering the larger themes and ideas in In the Time of the Butterflies, supporting arguments with strong textual evidence.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez  — Parts I and II

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Target Task


Discussion Question

By the end of Part II, all of the Mirabal sisters (except Dedé) have transformed into Mariposas. Compare their reasons for joining the revolution, or, in the case of Dedé, for not.

What different ideas about courage do we see through the thoughts and actions of the Mirabal sisters?

How has Alvarez continued to develop distinct voices in her chapters? What patterns do you see emerging in the way that the sisters tell their individual stories? What motifs can you see across their chapters?

Homework


Read Chapter 9, pp. 171–186

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What events are foreshadowed in the beginning of the chapter when Dedé is speaking with the interviewer?

  • What does Minous ask Dedé that people are usually too polite to ask?

  • How would you describe Dedé and Jamito's marriage?

  • What do the three sisters ask of Dedé?

  • Why is Fidel Castro's speech played endlessly on the radio?

  • What does Dedé realize about herself when visiting the priest, both about him and herself?

Annotation Focus

  • Note the relationship dynamic in the marriage between Dedé and Jaimito.

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Standards


  • L.9-10.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • RL.9-10.1 — Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • RL.9-10.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
  • RL.9-10.5 — Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
  • SL.9-10.1 — Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9—10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • SL.9-10.4 — Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
  • SL.9-10.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.6
W.9-10.9

Next

Analyze the factors that influence Dedé's decision to stay out of the revolution.

Lesson 15
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