Hotel Rwanda vs. In the Time of the Butterflies

Directions: Answer the following questions DURING and AFTER watching the film.

1.  How is Paul similar to the Mirabal sisters? Provide specific examples to support your reasoning.

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2.  Which characters from the film are analogous to the following characters from In the Time of the Butterflies? Explain how the characters are similar.

Trujillo______

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General Bizimungu______

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Rwandans______

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3.  Compare the Rwandan genocide to Trujillo’s rule – list similarities as well as differences.

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4.  What is the purpose of this film? How effective is the film in fulfilling its purpose? Is it more effective in raising awareness, honoring Paul, and critiquing foreign aid than In the Time of the Butterflies? Explain your reasoning with specific examples.

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5.  At the beginning of the film, Paul places far greater value on protecting his family than protecting his neighbors. But as the film progresses his sense of obligation to his neighbors and his countrymen deepens. Indeed, rather than abandon the refugees he is sheltering, he sends his family to safety while he stays behind.
Is his decision the morally right one? In making decisions, how much weight should one give to the welfare of one's family compared to the welfare of one's neighbors? How much weight should governments give to the welfare of foreign peoples compared to that of their own citizens?

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6.  How is it possible that most people did not know what was happening in Rwanda?

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7.  What can we do today to be made more aware of potentially tragic situations around the world?

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