How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Suddenly, the dark fills with spies who are paid to hear things and report them down at Security. Don Enrique claims Trujillo needs help in running this country. Don Enrique's daughter says it's about time women took over the government. Words repeated, distorted, words recreated by those who might bear them a grudge, words stitched to words until they are the winding sheet the family will be buried in when their bodies are found dumped in a ditch […]. (1.1.66)
The family must watch its mouth even when they are alone in their own front yard. Trujillo's fearful power is demonstrated in the paranoia that people feel after anyone criticizes the regime; even if they are alone they immediately fear that he might have spies posted.
Quote #2
"Tell me, Sinita, maybe it'll help."
"I can't," she whispered. "We can all be killed. It's the secret of Trujillo." (1.2.49-50)
Trujillo's secret is that he came to power through killing anyone who stood in his way, and it is such a terrible secret that it gives him power. Once anyone knows the secret they are terrified to talk about it or to defy him… which just makes him that much more in control.
Quote #3
"My uncles, they had a plan to do something to Trujillo, but somebody told on them, and all three were shot, right on the spot." (1.2.56)
Here we can see Trujillo's handy spies in action. When Sinita's uncles had a plan to stop Trujillo's march to absolute power, "somebody" told on them—it doesn't matter who, just that Trujillo has eyes and ears everywhere. And his revenge is swift and terrible, too.