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Why doesn’t Dedé like talking to people about her sisters?
Dedé struggles with survivor’s guilt and all the memories that talking about her sisters evokes. When she starts talking about the past, she feels as if she’s reliving these difficult years and traumatic moments. Talking about her sisters’ bravery also forces her to question again and again why she wasn't brave enough to join them. Additionally, in talking about her sisters’ heroism, she feels she reduces them to almost mythic figures instead of the complex women they were.
How does Minerva save Sinita at Trujillo’s birthday party?
Sinita almost gets arrested at Trujillo’s birthday party when Trujillo’s son, Ramfis, sees her aim an arrow at Trujillo. Sinita is supposed to fire imaginary arrows to free the Fatherland, played by Minerva. Instead, she brings a real bow and arrow to get revenge for her family. Minerva saves her by leading the crowd in cries of, “¡Viva Trujillo!,” meaning “Long Live Trujillo!” She also flings off her cape, which shows off “her pale arms and bare neck.” It’s unclear whether Minerva’s false patriotism or beauty ultimately saves the girls from danger.
Why doesn’t Dedé join the Fourteenth of June Movement?
Although Dedé initially says that she doesn’t want to disobey Jaimito and is afraid he will take her children away, she ultimately admits to herself that she is too afraid to join. After her sisters encourage her to leave Jaimito and join them, Dedé resolves to talk to Padre de Jesús for guidance. Because of the Catholic Church’s political neutrality and emphasis on marriage, it’s likely she believes that a priest such as Padre de Jesús will tell her not to join. When she realizes that Padre de Jesús is part of the resistance and won’t give her that excuse, she is forced to acknowledge her own fear.
Why doesn’t Mate tell the OAS Committee about being brought to the torture rooms of La 40?
Mate decides not to drop the note detailing her time in La 40 to protect the kind guard, Santicló. She knows that if prison officials find out about the note, her account is specific enough that it could be traced back to her even with redactions. In turn, Santicló would be shot for allowing a prisoner to give an incriminating story to the OAS. Although Minerva believes telling the OAS about the incident is important for the revolution, Mate remembers how Santicló brought her a blue ribbon to cheer her up and realizes she can’t sacrifice him.
What happens to the Mirabal sisters?
The Mirabal sisters and Rufino are ambushed by some of Trujillo’s soldiers while heading back down the mountain after visiting Manolo and Leandro in prison. On the drive down, a car blocks the mountain road, forcing Rufino to stop the car. The soldiers force Patria, Minerva, Mate, and Rufino out of the car and lead them away. After murdering them, the soldiers put the Mirabals and Rufino back in the jeep and push the car over the edge of the road to make it look like an accident.
