Like Water for Chocolate The Basics Published in 1989 by Laura Esquiviel Translated into English in 1992—became a best seller AND a movie this year Noteworthy because: Allegory for dictatorship Use of magical realism in text Embodies voices otherwise unheard

Historical Context Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917 Constant instability in government leadership Frequent shifts in power, acts of revolt, and violence for revolutionaries and citizens. Civil war from 1914-1915—revolts continued after war ended.

How it shows up: Soldiers’ actions on the ranch: “They had to get every possible use from this pig, one of the few animals that had survived the visit from the revolutionary army had made to the ranch a few days before.”  “They raped Chencha. Mama Elena […] suffered a strong blow to her spine and was left a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down.”

Further Historical Context 2. Role of Women Patriarchal society—women existed to serve men and/or their families A woman’s place was the home—sense of feeling trapped created their own “female culture”

How it shows up: Tita is forced to never marry because of her “duty” to her mother. She makes sure Esperanza does not suffer the same fate. Gertrudis becomes a GENERAL in the army after stripping down naked and escaping on a horse. WOAH.

Style: Magical Realism A style of telling a story by infusing magical elements into everyday situations, conditions and practices. The idea is to reveal essential aspects of human relations imbedded in everyday activities.

How it shows up: SO MANY WEIRD AND AWESOME WAYS: Ghosts and spirits Tita, a virgin, nursing Roberto    The knitted blanket of Tita’s sorrows The salt in the tears shed at Tita’s birth. The bath house fire set by Gertrudis’ passion. The soldier’s ability to smell Gertrudis’ passion.

Theme A main idea or underlying message of a literary work. Can be multiple examples in one text. Supported by textual evidence. Mama Elena’s demand that Tita take care of her is a crucial part of the story. FAMILY OBLIGATIONS

Author’s Purpose The author’s reason for writing a particular text. Connected with theme. Supported by textual evidence. To illustrate the injustice of family obligations for Latina women at this time in history Tita’s life is a struggle until Mama Elena dies and Tita is finally free.