The good ol' days

Out of all the girls in the book "In the time of the Butterflies", I felt as though it was easier to read Maria Theresa's entries/ chapters. There were a few reasons for this, one being that she made everything sound so simple and positive, like no one could do any wrong. Another being that she writes very similar to the way I do or would have at her various ages. Not only can I relate to her, but because I'm the oldest child in my family, I can sort of understand now what the youngest child might go through because it's put in such simple terms.

In her first chapter, chapter 3, she writes to her "dearest little book" that Minerva gives her. The mere fact that she addresses her diary in such a sweet caring manner shows that she has such a positive outlook on life. She never once seems to have a bad day. She also shows this sweet caring manner when she lists her new year’s resolutions of 1946. Just to give you an idea here are some of her "horrible" antics she must change... "I resolve to be diligent with my tasks and not fall asleep when I say my prayers, I resolve not to think of clothes when I am in church, I resolve not to be so tenderhearted as even Minerva says crying will bring on prematuring wrinkles" These resolves alone make Maria Theresa seem like an angel. Being so young, she's probably never been exposed to the "real" sins in life. This is what makes her so delicate and lovable and so easy to follow.

Also, because Maria Theresa is so young, she has a way of explaining things to the reader that are put so simply that you just have to laugh and think... 'I couldn't have put it better myself' For instance, when she explains walking for her first communion she states, "I think saints all lived before high heels were invented" She captures the moment and says what only an 8 year old could think of. It's endearing and so very true.
Maria Theresa doesn't yet realize that Minerva is very controlling with her. I remember being in Minerva’s shoes and telling my sister anything because she was so gullible. I now feel awful for being such a controlling older sister, but it’s very interesting seeing it from the other perspective. Instead of her taking it the wrong way, she sees Minerva’s bossiness as helpfulness/guidance. You can tell that she looks up to her older sister because she literally mentions her in EVERY diary.

I think that I love to read Maria Theresa's writing the most because I too want to feel my inner child come out. That sense of innocence and naivety feels almost refreshing. Although later in the book she grows up to find out that the world isn't made of rainbows and unicorns, it's nice as the reader to revert back to childlike thinking in the beginning of the book.