The setting of In the Time of Butterflies is remote from us in both time and place. How would you characterize and respond to the world that Alvarez creates in this novel? Are there any elements of the situation that you can relate to in a real or immediate way? Write a factual description of the family culture so far in this novel. What values are emerging? (response should be one paragraph in length--minimum of 5 sentences).
Chapters 3 and 4
In what ways does Dede differ from her three sisters? What qualities do they have in common?
What are the differences in each sister's voice? Is Alvarez successful in making each sister distinct? How does she achieve this effect?