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11 November 2012

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and Feminism

Introduction

The feminist ideology refers to a developing and dynamic concept throughout several works like film, art and novels. The novel “Like Water for Chocolate” written by Laura Esquivel provides an in-depth analysis of women role, and present women in distinct version. Some females are doting and domestic, while others are clever and rebellious, and others do not fit in any mold. This paper discusses the traditional gender role and how they change the dynamics of the family, as well as argues whether the novel liberated or restricted the women.

Discussion

In this novel, Laura Esquivel paints a picture women's community sustained by an activity of food preparation, which goes beyond social barriers of generation, race and class. The author represents a Latin family who reflects on traditions. The most part of the novel revolve around a character of a young woman named “Tita” who lives under her mother's will and control. Due to the restriction of her mother (Mama Elena), Tita used to spend more time cooking the delicious food with the help of Nacha and with unforgettable recopies, as well as working around the family ranch (Dima, 1-53).

Laura Esquivel in her novel portrays Mexican traditions by an activity that Tita refused to get marries as she is surrounded by many responsibilities such as to take care of her widow mother until her death; however, culture persistently dictates the place and role of women. Even until now, for instance, in some places in Mexico, it is seen as disgraceful for females to be viewed without a companion. As such, the novel of Esquivel emphasizes in greatly characters of female, few of them the author presents by gender roles, which are typically related with men; therefore, depicting them as ...