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

Lesson 20
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ELA

Unit 4

9th Grade

Lesson 20 of 28

Objective


Analyze the structure of the final chapter of the novel before the Epilogue.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez  pp. 276 – 297 — Chapter 12: Minerva

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Why do you think Alvarez chose to end Minerva's chapter here? Provide specific evidence from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What is the significance of the trip Dedé and Minerva make to Monte Cristi? What does this scene reveal about Dedé as well as the relationship between the sisters?

How does Alvarez foreshadow the sisters' fate throughout Chapter 12?

Vocabulary


Text-based

imperious

adj.

(p. 287)

arrogant or domineering

indignant

adj.

(p. 292)

feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment

Homework


Read the Epilogue, pages 301–321.

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What happens on the mountain pass?

  • After the sisters die, describe what happens to the following people: Jaimito, Manolo, Pedrito, Leandro, Mama?

  • What title does Dedé give herself for retelling her sisters' story?

  • Who does Dedé reconnect with at a reception to honor the girls? What is his view of the revolution?

  • What question does Dedé ask herself that she does not want to say out loud?

  • What does Dedé usually hear as she falls asleep at night?

  • What final memory does Dedé have?

Annotation Focus

  • Note moments where Dedé considers her role as storyteller.

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Standards


  • RL.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
  • 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.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9

Next

Analyze how the narrative point of view, structure, and imagery of the Epilogue contributes to the reader's understanding of Dedé at the end of the novel and develops Alvarez's central message about storytelling.

Lesson 21
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