Going with the Wind
There are many things that get passed down in families: anything from an object, like a watch or a ring, or just a way of doing things in the family. Sometimes these things make life better, and other times they do nothing but make life bitter and hard. In the novel Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, tradition is the main part of the book, just as they are the main part of the Mexican culture: the tradition of the youngest daughter’s obligation, culinary traditions, and the head of the household only has a saying in the family.
In the novel Tita, being the main character of the story, faces many challenges in her life. Since she was a little girl, her destiny was chosen by Mama Elena, a destiny that breaks Tita’s heart. Tita, being the youngest daughter of three siblings has to obey a Mexican tradition that changes her life. Little does she know that her life is meant to remain in the kitchen where she is a servant until the day of her mother’s death. For Tita it means that she cannot marry. Esquivel shows the importance of the De La Garza customs when Pedro, who wants to marry Tita, asks for her hand in marriage, but Tita must refuse her first love when Mama Elena says, “If he intends to ask for your hand, tell him not to bother. He’ll be wasting his time and mine too. You know perfectly well for being the youngest daughter means you have to take care of me until the day I die”(10). In order for Mama Elena to succeed in separating Tita from Pedro, she offers her daughter Rosaura to merry Pedro, Mama Elena says, “But if you really want Pedro to get married, allow me to suggest my daughter Rosaura, who’s just two years older than Tita. She is one hundred percent available, and ready for marriage” (13). Making Tita’s life miserable and ensuring her to remain in the ranch. Even though tradition is what keeps Pedro and Tita apart, Tita