Laura Esquivel's Intentions

Esquivel intends for the reader to learn about the importance of cooking, and how it has an immense effect on families and society. It is believed that food brings people together and this belief is extremely apparent in Like Water for Chocolate. Throughout the novel food is expressed in such a magical manor and is the main focus of the story. Esquivel tries to get the reader excited about he preparation of food, and the mouth-watering ingredients used within it. From Tita’s birth, she was completely obsessed with food, and learned to cook it with such mastery. Esquivel uses this obsession to again, show the importance of food in life. Through her food, Tita can channel her emotions and evoke the same feelings within the person who consumes her food. Whether those feelings are lust, anger, happiness, disgust, or love. Obviously, in reality one cannot channel one’s emotions into meals. Although, if someone is in a negative mood they may in turn cook something unappealing. Similarly, if someone cooks amazing food due to a joyous mood, the consumer would enjoy the meal and satisfy their appetite. Thus evoking happiness within that person. Instances similar to these appeared numerous times within the novel. For example, at the end of the story, when all the guests flee from the wedding to make love, due to their consumption of Tita’s intensely lustful rose petal sauce. Or when “ ‘ Tita remembered that Nacha had always said that when people argue while preparing tamales, the tamales won’t get cooked. They can be heated day after day and still stay raw, because the tamales are angry. In a case like that, you have to sing to them, which makes them happy; then they’ll cook ‘ “. (218) Through these miraculous situations, Esquivel shows the reader the power of food, and “the secrets of love and life revealed by the kitchen”. (216)