Like Water for Chocolate

Magical Realism in Like Water for Chocolate

Quotation:

"Her body was giving off so much heat that the wooden walls began to split and burst into flame" (Chapter 3, P.50)

Significance:

Secret Meaning of the Mexican Revolution involve in Like Water of Chocolate

The Mexican Revolution was a time of change - conflict created as the new rebels fought the old government because they disagreed with the current political situation. Similar conflict exists in the story. Elena can be seen as the old government who imposes old laws - a perfect example being her family tradition that Tita, the youngest daughter, may not marry and must look after her mother. Tita, the young rebel, falls victim to the old tradition and disagrees with Mama Elena's rule. Hostility and even death on the ranch as if trouble and death were the cause of the wars.

Furthermore, Laura Esquivel used symbolism in the story that tied the book in with history. She was comparing Porfirio Díaz, the leader of Mexico who broke his own law and re-elected himself, to Mama Elena, and Francisco I. Madero, who was Diaz's political competitor, to Tita.

Mama Elena imprisoned Tita - much like how Diaz threw Madero in jail. Mama Elena did not allow Tita any free will or opinions, but only with the thought of looking after her mother as long as she is alive. This represents the dictator's rule over its people and the oppressed feelings that they had. In history, Madero escaped from prison and got all the enemies of Diaz together to start a revolution against him. This can be represented by Tita's rebellion against her mother and tradition in order to gain her freedom. Thus, Mama Elena is like the dictator, while Tita is like the revolution.

This connection might be part of the reason why this particular period of time was chosen for the story. Of course, Laura Esquivel may have selected the Revolution for a completely different reason. It's just curious that this similarity exists.

Reference: http://10tops.wordpress.com/2007/01/16/secret-meaning-of-the-mexican-revolution/

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