Summary:
In her talk titled "Chasing the Butterflies", Julia Alvarez explains that the "butterfly" in which she is speaking of is not "any touchy-feely, gushy Hallmark-card, sentimentalized definition of butterfly."
In her talk titled "Chasing the Butterflies", Julia Alvarez explains that the "butterfly" in which she is speaking of is not "any touchy-feely, gushy Hallmark-card, sentimentalized definition of butterfly." She tells the listeners that butterflies are symbols for the soul, according to Greek mythology. To become a butterfly and to gain a soul, one must first recognize that they are but a lowly caterpillar enclosed in a cocoon. This involves risks of failure in becoming a butterfly, but working hard to achieve one's wings.
The second step to becoming a butterfly is to keep up with the struggle and never forget the goal. If one loses their path, it is hard to regain their will power. The people surrounding the person, whether it is friends, families, or teachers, are examples of inspiration to keep going, and not give up.
After the struggle is the final time where one gains the rewards that they have been striving for all this time. The reward is becoming a butterfly. However, there are certain conditions that must be in order so that the reward may have its full effect. In order for the entire struggle to gain its true recompense, one must spread their wings. A goal is actually there to help you along your journey, which is the most important part of becoming a butterfly.
"I believe stories have this power--they enter us, they transport us, they change things inside us, so invisibly, so minutely, that sometimes we're not even aware that we come out of a great book as a different person from the person we were when we began reading it."
This excerpt from Julia Alvarez's speech speaks to me because it's something I have always believed in. Stories have the ability to change my mood no matter what state or condition I am in. They have inspired me and changed me in ways I could have never imagined. There are teachers, role models, friends, and family; and then there are stories.
"More personally, in my own life, I know that a long caterpillar phase is the name of the game if you want to reach that butterfly phase. For me this has meant many years of struggle to become the writer I am today."
Through these mere two sentences, Julia Alvarez inspires her listeners and readers to continue with their struggle. She explains that she once was a caterpillar, too. However, she continued her struggle, which led her to become the amazing writer she is today.
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