The Post-Mortem of a Protagonist: in the Time of the Butterflies

The Post-Mortem of a Protagonist: In the Time of the Butterflies

Directions: On a posterboard, you will create a visual representation of a murdered butterfly. Your representation can be a silhouette, or it can be fully filled in and painted.

Basically, you may represent the butterfly in any way that you choose (consider the text, though!). From the list below, choose 6 body parts and label them on your drawing with an assertion that answers the question and quotes from the text that support your answer. These do not need to be written in paragraph form. Each quote should include a page number, and you will need to write a bibliography entry for your edition of the novel. Place this on the back.

Also on the back, you will respond to the following essay prompt in 4-5 paragraphs:

After reading Julia Alvarez’ In the Time of the Butterflies, you should see how the voice and style of a character contributes to the development of that character’s personality. In a well-developed essay, choose one of the “Butterflies” and describe how that character’s distinctive use of language contributes to the characterization. You may want to consider elements such as diction, syntax, details, figurative language, imagery, or any other element of language.

Body Parts:

Skin (required): Public face and expression of the character- How does this character express herself through words and language? What is a distinctive characteristic of this character’s use of language?

Head: Intellectual side of the character- What are her dreams? Visions? Philosophies she keeps inside?

Eyes: Seeing through the character’s eyes- What memorable sights affect her? How?

Ears: Hearing through the character’s ears- What does she notice and remember others saying to her? How is she affected?

Nose: Smelling through the character’s nose- What smells affect her? How?

Mouth: The character’s communication- What philosophy does the character share/espouse? What arguments/ debates? What song would symbolize the character’s philosophy of life? What lyrics/ images from the song would symbolize her philosophy?

Arms: Working- What is the character’s relationship to work in general? To specific work?

Hands: The practical side of the character- What conflicts does she deal with? How?

Heart: The emotional side of the character- What does she love? Whom? How?

Torso: The instinctive side of the character- What doesn’t she like about herself? What does she hide? What brings her pain? What does she fear? (Describe her “dark” side)

Legs: The playful side of the character- What does she do for fun? What are her avocations?

Feet: The character’s mobility- Where has she been (literally/ figuratively)? How has she been affected by travel or setting?

“Wings”: The character-s future- Where is she going? (The Butterflies are all dead; therefore, think of their future in terms of the public mind)

You will be graded on the accuracy of your answers and support, the level of analysis and skilled writing shown in the essay and the neatness and creativity of your presentation. The essay will be worth 50%, the labeled body parts, 30%, and the presentation, 20%.