Like Water for Chocolate

by Laura Esquivel

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Themes: Creativity and Imagination

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Through her culinary artistry, Tita finds a unique way to express her suppressed emotions. Ironically, while Mama Elena tries to control Tita by confining her to the kitchen and making her responsible for all the family meals, this very environment enables Tita to form deeper connections with others and gain a better understanding of herself. She infuses all her love for Pedro into her dishes, which strengthens their relationship. Furthermore, her cooking talent helps her build a bond with Pedro's children, easing her heartache over not having her own children with him. Tita's creative cooking also acts as a subtle rebellion against her mother; she recalls that whenever she strayed from a recipe, "she was always sure ... that Mama Elena would find out and, instead of congratulating her on her creativity, give her a terrible tongue-lashing for disobeying the rules."

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