Like Water for Chocolate

by Laura Esquivel

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Themes: Love and Passion

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The tension between love and duty is evident in Tita's struggle to comply with her mother's wishes. To adhere to her mother's demands, Tita must suppress her feelings for Pedro. In contrast, her sister Gertrudis openly embraces her desires, eloping with Juan and working in a brothel. The passionate nature of both sisters is reflected in their shared love for food. While both enjoy delicious meals, only Tita has the skill to prepare them. At one point, Gertrudis brings the revolutionary army to the De la Garza ranch to savor her sister's hot chocolate, cream fritters, and other culinary delights.

The theme of food also parallels John Brown's affection for Tita. Despite being captivated by her beauty, he does not harbor a jealous passion concerning her relationship with Pedro. John comes from a North American family whose food, as Tita observes, "is bland and didn't appeal."

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