In the Time of the Butterflies

by Julia Alvarez

In the Time of the Butterflies: Situational Irony 1 key example

Chapter 1: Dedé, 1994 and circa 1943
Explanation and Analysis—Life Insurance?:

Minerva's daughter Minou, who was raised by Dedé and Mamá following Minerva's death, rightfully recognizes the irony of Dedé's profession in Chapter 1:

Her niece Minou has noted more than once the irony of Dedé’s “new” profession, actually embarked upon a decade ago, after her divorce. She is the company’s top life insurance salesperson. Everyone wants to buy a policy from the woman who just missed being killed along with her three sisters.