Like Water for Chocolate

Título In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, hot chocolate is made not with milk, but with water instead. Water is boiled and chunks of milk chocolate are dropped in to melt. The saying "like water for chocolate," alludes to this fact and also to the common use of the expression as a metaphor for describing a state of passion or sexual arousal. In some parts of Latin America, the saying is also equivalent to being 'boiling mad' in anger.

Personajes Tita – the protagonist, youngest daughter of Mama Elena Mama Elena – forceful, tyrannical matriarch of the De La Garza family Pedro – Tita’s true love and soul mate Rosaura – second daughter of Mama Elena, who marries Pedro Gertrudis – eldest daughter, becomes a general in the revolutionary army Dr. John Brown – falls in love with Tita, unrequited love Nacha – the ranch cook, Tita’s mentor Chencha – Tita’s companion in the kitchen Roberto & Esperanza – children of Pedro and Rosaura Alex – son of Dr. Brown, father of the narrator. Marries Esperanza

Mexican Revolution Most important modernizing force in Mexican history (1910-1917) During this time, peasants and natives banded together under the leadership of figures such as Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata to reject the old order's dictatorship, revive democracy, and claim Mexico for the everyday man and woman. Esquivel uses the revolution to explore themes of masculinity and gender identity, and examine how individuals appropriate for themselves the revolution's goal of liberty.

Mexican Cuisine Known for its intense and varied flavors colorful decoration variety of spices that it has Mexican gastronomy, in terms of diversity of appealing tastes and textures, is one of the richest in the world, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, though some people unaccustomed to eating it characterize it as greasy and excessively spicy.

Mexican Family Values Mexican culture is known for the unified nature of the family. The country's divorce rate is among the lowest in the world (0.33 divorces per 1000 population, compared to 4.95 in the United States) [1]. Children regularly live with their parents until they marry, even if they remain single until their thirties or later. It is also quite common for family units to remain connected, often with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and children all living in the same area or even in the same house. Loyalty within the family is absolute – brothers will fight for the honor of their sisters, and family members are often tapped for employment opportunities. Source: <http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Culture_of_Mexico>

Parents in Mexico The roles of the parents in Mexican culture are generally well-defined, with the father acting as the family's ruler and the mother as the family's heart. A mother is often exclusively responsible for maintaining the household and caring for the children, who as a result often revere her, while fearing their authoritarian father.

Men and Women in Mexico Machismo (Spanish for "male chauvinism") is quite common in Mexican families, with the father exercising authority in a manner not unlike a dictatorship. Some have called adultery a social norm for men, and abuse, both physical and emotional, is not uncommon. Wives are generally expected to endure this treatment from their husbands, and many consider it acceptable behavior. In the past few decades, these stereotypes have begun to break down somewhat. As influences from the United States continue to shape Mexican culture, machismo is slowly becoming more recognized and despised, especially in the northern part of the country, where the American influence is more pronounced. In southern and more rural communities, however, these basic behaviors continue to exist. Source: <http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Culture_of_Mexico>

Connections to the book: Understanding the events of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 allows me to better understand the setting of Like Water for Chocolate. The novel, which takes place during this time period, explores the Mexican Revolution from the point of view of the feminine and examines how different characters respond to the revolution's goal of liberty. When I first read the part of the novel when Gertrudis, Tita’s oldest sister, runs off with a revolutionary soldier and later returns as the head of a revolutionary army, I didn’t quite understand what was going on. However, after learning about the specific events and the common person’s role within this revolution, I can picture the setting of the book better. After learning more about the Mexican Revolution, I can image what Gertrudis’s life as a soldier must be like even though her story is not thoroughly explored within the plot of the book.