Imagery is a technique frequently used by authors in order to promote the theme(s) that they are attempting to convey to the reader through their work. It is the use of figurative language to represent objects, and communicate ideas to the reader so that they may mentally visualize them, and understand themes in the work of literature. Generally speaking in literature, the reader may only recognize or relate to a few of the themes that the author is portraying through contrasting imagery, but to the author, all of the themes may be of importance. In The Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez conveys many themes through the use of imagery, including sacrifice, feminism and religion. Alvarez uses contrasting imagery to develop the story’s theme
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When she completes intimidating tasks that require courage to accomplish, she takes a step forward in her maturity and confidence. "She took both my hands in hers as if we were getting ready to jump together into a deep spot in the lagoon of Ojo de Agua. 'Breathe slowly and deeply,' she intoned, 'slowly and deeply.' I pictured myself on a hot day falling, slowly and deeply, into those cold layers of water. I held on tight to my sister's hands, no longer afraid of anything but that she might let go." (Alvarez 39). Minerva sensed a spark of rebellion within Mate when she lied to protect her and confronted her afterwards on her covert whereabouts. Mate, although hesitant and fearful at first, was physically courageous in standing up to Minerva and in doing so she intentionally joined the revolution. Alvarez uses a simile to describe the feelings Mate felt when Minerva informed her of the undercover rebellion, “I pictured myself on a hot day falling, slowly and deeply, into those cold layers of water.” (Alvarez 39). The water symbolizes Mates life, and the layers symbolize her stages of courage. Mate describes herself as falling slowly, since change, especially in personality, take time. Mate was no longer fearful of being courageous, but scared of being alone through her journey, which is why she needed Minerva by her side to encourage her. Mate secured Minerva’s loyalty by standing up for her when she least expected it, a crucial trait for members of the
When she completes intimidating tasks that require courage to accomplish, she takes a step forward in her maturity and confidence. "She took both my hands in hers as if we were getting ready to jump together into a deep spot in the lagoon of Ojo de Agua. 'Breathe slowly and deeply,' she intoned, 'slowly and deeply.' I pictured myself on a hot day falling, slowly and deeply, into those cold layers of water. I held on tight to my sister's hands, no longer afraid of anything but that she might let go." (Alvarez 39). Minerva sensed a spark of rebellion within Mate when she lied to protect her and confronted her afterwards on her covert whereabouts. Mate, although hesitant and fearful at first, was physically courageous in standing up to Minerva and in doing so she intentionally joined the revolution. Alvarez uses a simile to describe the feelings Mate felt when Minerva informed her of the undercover rebellion, “I pictured myself on a hot day falling, slowly and deeply, into those cold layers of water.” (Alvarez 39). The water symbolizes Mates life, and the layers symbolize her stages of courage. Mate describes herself as falling slowly, since change, especially in personality, take time. Mate was no longer fearful of being courageous, but scared of being alone through her journey, which is why she needed Minerva by her side to encourage her. Mate secured Minerva’s loyalty by standing up for her when she least expected it, a crucial trait for members of the