Laura Esquivel's novel Malinche combines elements of history, tradition, religion, poetry, and mythology to explore the idea of identity. Let's look at how this works.

Esquivel centers her novel around the historical character of Malinalli, a slave who became the interpreter and mistress of Hernán Cortés. Yet the author re-imagines Malinalli, looking at her through a new lens and trying to see from her perspective. Historically, Malinalli has been regarded as a traitor to her people, but Esquivel presents a much more complex picture of Malinalli's identity.

Tradition also plays a role in this story. Malinalli looks back to a tradition older than the Aztec empire in which she is living, and she longs to see that tradition arise anew. This is one of the reasons she helps Cortés. Her identity is interwoven with the traditions of her people, and she wants good to triumph over evil.

Religion is also central to the novel and to questions of identity. Montezuma's regime is built upon human sacrifice, which Malinalli finds evil and revolting. She must navigate between the religions of her people and the Christianity of Cortés as she searches for truth.

This novel is highly poetic in language, and this also contributes to the theme of identity. Malinalli, for example is called the “Tongue,” and her grandmother once told her, “Your tongue will be the word of light, a paintbrush of flowers, the word of colors that with your voice will paint new codices.” This is beautiful language that helps Malinalli (and readers) see herself in a new way.

Finally, mythology is woven throughout this novel, both in the traditional stories of Malinalli's people and in the author's symbolic portrait of Cortés and Malinalli as a new Adam and Eve for the people of Mexico.