Like Water for Chocolate

by Laura Esquivel

Start Free Trial

Themes: Cruelty and Violence

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Mama Elena often uses harshness and aggression to ensure Tita's compliance. The tasks she assigns to Tita, especially those concerning Pedro and Rosaura's wedding, are acts of sheer cruelty, considering Tita's heartache over losing Pedro. Mama Elena reacts to Tita's slightest objections with furious outbursts and physical violence. For instance, when she suspects Tita of deliberately ruining the wedding cake, she punishes her with a beating. When Tita confronts her mother and blames her for Roberto's death, Mama Elena hits her with a wooden spoon, breaking her nose. This regular cruelty is not considered unusual in a place where a widow must defend herself and her family from bandits and revolutionaries.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: Love as a Potent Force

Next

Themes: Obedience

Loading...