Before We Were Free

What does Anita’s infatuation with Sam change in, or for, her, and why does her infatuation switch from Sam to Oscar? Compare and contrast Sam and Oscar as well.

What is Chucha’s role in the novel? Describe some of her sayings and superstitions. Do you believe that Anita believes Chucha’s visions and superstitions? 

Were Papi and The Butterflies justified in assassinating El Jefe? Discuss.

Discuss the consequences of suppressed speech in the novel, and how we see such suppression manifest.

Why do you think that the author includes the interlude from Anita’s diary? What function does it serve in the narrative?

Is freedom merely the absence of oppression, or must something be present as well?

Before reading Before We Were Free, were you aware of the events it discusses, including the assassination of Trujillo? How has it changed your thinking about the Dominican Republic? 

Do you believe that Anita feels that Papi’s sacrifice was a good thing? Now that independence has been achieved, do you think she would choose to have him back, even if it meant relinquishing the new freedom?