How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I started crying, but I pinched my arms to stop. I had to be brave for Sinita. (1.2.75)
Minerva is terrified by Sinita's story of extreme revenge on her family. She starts training for her future life as a revolutionary by disciplining her body; causing herself physical pain to make herself stop crying is, in her mind, equivalent to being brave for her friend. That physical self-control will come in handy during hunger strikes and enduring torture.
Quote #2
But when we got to this part, Sinita kept on stepping forward and didn't stop until she was right in front of Trujillo's chair. Slowly, she raised her bow and took aim. There was a stunned silence in the hall. (1.2.138)
Sinita's violent act is purely symbolic; we're pretty sure she doesn't have a real bow and arrow and isn't really going to shoot Trujillo from the stage. But her gesture is understood loud and clear by the regime and gets her into all sorts of trouble.
Quote #3
She seemed pretty impressed with my arguing back at her like that. She's always telling me to stand up for myself, but I guess she didn't figure I'd stand up to her. (1.3.95)
Minerva values courage above all else. When her baby sister, María Teresa, stands up to her, demanding that she explain where she's been sneaking off to, she is so impressed by the courage that she's willing to give in and spill her guts. This early manifestation of bravery foreshadows Mate's involvement in the movement later.