Like Water for Chocolate

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read Beta

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Examine Laura Esquivel’s exploration of feminism in Like Water for Chocolate. How does feminism come into conflict with the traditions of the patriarchal Latin American culture she depicts? How do women participate in or resist this culture in the novel?

How does the author portray motherhood? Consider Mama Elena and Rosaura as well as Tita’s relationships with Nacha, Morning Light, Chencha, and Gertrudis. How does Tita become a mother despite never bearing any children of her own?

Compare and contrast Pedro and Dr. John Brown. Who do you think is the better match for Tita, and why?