Like Water for Chocolate - by Laura Esquivel
In this novel, Esquivel shows the many cultural elements that define the beauty of being a Mexican woman and the pains that make such a life insupportable. Tita is the youngest daughter in an early 20th century Mexican family. As the youngest daughter, her mother informs her, as is their family custom, that she may never marry and must always stay home to care for her mother in her old age. Tita falls in love with a young man, but her mother marries him off to her older sister. Throughout the story, Tita's passion must be tempered by the duty that she sometimes feels forced to place upon herself, and the duty that is thrust upon her by her family's expectations. Every chapter is a month in Tita's life, and the book is cleverly filled with recipes. The recipes nearly drive the action of the book, as every dish has something to do with the emotions that are filling Tita, or the events that are currently taking place in her and her family's lives. The dishes are Tita's emotions, brimming with passion, and sometimes full of sadness. The book does a wonderful job of treating several historic themes during the Revolution, exploring the familial duties and relationships that define many Mexican families, and of exploring the sights, sounds, colors, and tastes that make Mexican culture come alive for readers.
Why This Work?
1. The novel has great, colorful descriptions that really engage readers and put them right into the setting. The description of food almost allows the reader to taste what Tita is cooking.
2. Students find the characters easy to identify with. Characters are well described, with many detailed stories developing personalities and beliefs of each individual. Tita's passionate emotions are very much akin to the drama and emotions that most teenagers feel will consume them because of their weight and importance.
3. The unique aspect of presentation of recipes along with dialogue and narration intrigues students. All recipes are ready to create, and some actual preparation and eating would make a very apt enhancement to your class's reading of this novel. The recipes really seem to envelop Tita's current feeling, and the dishes also provide a strong sense of Mexican culture.
Resources:
This website is full of resources. It details an entire Unit Plan based on the book, with examples of student work, teacher commentary, lesson plans, activity guidelines, and extra resources.
This site gives reviews and a good summary of information and themes found within this book. Links are offered to other reviewers' thoughts, as well as to information on an excellent film version that you might consider viewing to either enhance your understanding, or to supplement students'.
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Last Updated July 8, 2004