Like Water for Chocolate

Reflect on Laura Esquivel’s title Like Water for Chocolate. How does it relate to the story’s ending? Consider the following as you develop your ideas:

• What does the expression “like water for chocolate” mean?
• What does Tita learn about passion from John’s grandmother’s beliefs?
• Why does John give Tita a pack of matches?
• What is the symbolic meaning behind the way Pedro and Tita die?

Teaching Suggestion: If students are struggling to decipher the significance of the title, you might encourage them to consider the multiple meanings of “like water for chocolate” and how each might apply to Tita. This entry from SpanishDictionary.com provides literal and metaphorical meanings behind the phrase, which students might find helpful. Understanding what the novel’s title points to in Tita’s character may help students see how, in the context of Morning Light’s analogy about passion, the novel’s ending is almost inevitable. You could extend this discussion by challenging students to explain what the novel is saying about passion—is there such a thing as too much passion, or is Tita’s fate being celebrated in some way?

Differentiation Suggestion: Although answering this prompt does not require a complete review of the text, it does require a thorough understanding of several sections.