Point of View Throughout In the Time of the Butterflies

In the Time of the Butterflies gives the perspective of all four Mirabal sisters. It can get confusing at times switching narrators and time periods. However, it gives readers a unique insight into the stories of each sister and why they joined the rebellion (or chose not to in Dedé’s case). Minerva and Patria’s portions are written in first person. Mariá Teresa’s is also first person, but it is expressed through her diary entries. It seems to symbolize her innocence. She’s a child writing in her special little book she keeps hidden. Dedé’s story, unlike her sisters’, is told from third person point of view, almost as though it is her interviewer writing. Changing point of view, while occasionally confusing, helps separate each individual sister’s portion. The set pattern of each sister’s perspective set over three time periods also assists in keeping all the stories straight. Julia Alvarez’s set up for the novel gives it an interesting dynamic that I thoroughly enjoyed. You get to hear four stories all connected and intertwined into one large one over 22 troubling years.