Summer of the Mariposas

Summer of the Mariposas ponders the notion of “correct” motherhood. La Llorona is traditionally viewed as an archetype of maternal failure, the antithesis of the perfect motherhood represented by Tonantzin. In this novel, however, La Llorona reveals that she is misrepresented, and she works with Tonantzin to help the Garza sisters reunite with their mother, earning a reunion with her own lost children in the process. Like La Llorona, the Garza sisters’ mother and even Abuelita Remedios question their own parenting choices and repent for what they perceive as negligence. Abuelita Remedios—mother of the sisters’ absent father—blames herself for her son’s spoiled and childish behavior. The Garza sisters’ mother feels guilt-ridden over neglecting her children, a point that the Garza sisters and even Cecilia bring up in the beginning of the book. Cecilia cites her bad decisions as a byproduct of her unmet desire to have children. However, Tonantzin emphasizes the power of motherhood, maintaining that despite mistakes, true motherhood is driven by a profound faith in children.

Mariposas (butterflies), prevalent throughout the novel, symbolize transformation and hope. The butterflies’ health indicates the state of the characters. For example, when the girls are lying unconscious in the warlock’s cave, they are covered in dead butterflies. However, as the sisters escape, the butterflies come back to life. At the end of the book, the mariposas indicate La Llorona’s transformation and vitality. Tonantzin calls all her daughters mariposas, and the reader finally understands that mariposas are a barometer of the characters’ transformation.