(1) Provide an explanaion of the literary style ‘magic(al) realism’. Then, demonstrate (using
various examples from the novel), how Esquivel uses this style in the novel. Conclude with your
evaluation of this style ( opinion - did you like it or not, why?).
Magic realism or magical realism is a genre where magical elements are a natural part in
an otherwise mundane, realistic environment. In the book “Like Water For Chocolate”, there are
many magical factors you can find by reading the story.
Firstly, in chapter 2, Tita was very sad about the wedding of Pedro and Rosaura.
However, she was not allowed to express her sadness in front of her mother, so when Mama
Elena left the kicthen, she started to cry, and the tears …show more content…
However, Tita was not able to marry Pedro, because of the family tradition, where the
youngest daughter had to take care of her mother until she died: “`You know perfectly well that
being the youngest daughter means you have to take care of me until I die” (10). However, Pedro
went to ask for Tita’s hand: “Unfortunately her hope was short-lived, for the very next day Pedro
Muzquiz appeared at the house, his esteemed...” (13). Even though Pedro and his father came
to ask for Tita’s hand, Mama Elena rejected the request and suggest Pedro to marry Rosaura:
“But if you really want Pedro to get married, allow me to suggest my daughter Rosaura, who’s
just...” (13).
Surprisingly, Pedro accept the suggestion and this news is heard by Tita, who felt great
depression and disappointment towards Pedro and her love toward him. The reason why Pedro
accecpted the suggestion was not because Pedro did not love Tita anymore, it is because it was
the only way to stay close to Tita since Tita was not allowed to marry: “When you’re told her
there’s no way you can marry the woman you love and your only hope of being near her is …show more content…
The reason why I like these kind of book is that I cannot predict what is going to happen next.
Because there is something magical happening, it is hard to guess the ending and add more
interest of the book. However, this book was had too much magical factors that confused me.In
my opinion, the theme of this book is “immortal love” and “obedience’.
For immortal love, Pedro and Tita loved each other in the started of the story. However,
they could not marry each other for many difficulties such as the family tradition of Tita’s
family. Love between Tita and Pedro did not went easy because John proposed to Tita and Tita
accepted it even though she still loves Pedro. However, in the end, they made love and died
together. This shows that the immortal love between Tita and Pedro that overcome all the
difficutlties that distract their love.
For obedience, it is easily found in the start of the book. Tita had to obey the family
tradition and was not able to marry Pedro, a person she loves. By going throw the story, there are
many obedience that can be found. Mama Elena force her to respect her and obey what her