Hispanic women, like their foreign, female counterparts, have fought long and hard against tradition for gender equality and freedom. As depicted in the Laura Esquivel’s novel Like Water for Chocolate, tradition in Mexico meant that Tita de la Garza, the youngest daughter, is forbidden to marry because it is Tita’s responsibility to care for her mother until her death. Over the course of this novel, Esquivel depicts how the spectrum of tradition help, better, and destroy Tita.
Despite the burdens passed down by Mexican tradition, the tradition to become caretaker is an opportunity for Tita to fulfill the stereotypical tasks of a woman that other females in her family cannot fulfill. In this sense, Esquivel illustrates the unique opportunity traditions can present. Tradition is a fundamental basis for the function of Tita’s family; it gives each and every member a role to fulfil. Because Tita is the only female in the family capable of loving, she is also the only individual able to “behave like a good woman, or at least a decent one” (93). Fulfilling her role as a woman in this tradition, Tita is also given the opportunity to nurse her nephew Roberto, whose mother is emotionally and physically incapable of doing so. In this regard, this traditional role as woman is empowering; it guarantees Tita an opportunity to change those she raises. Traditionally, women are most capable of nurturing children from birth to adulthood, imposing values and behaviors of their choosing. It is women who mold other people’s lives. The separation of Roberto and Tita leads to Roberto’s death. This loss of Roberto imposes the idea that Tita was the only individual capable of supporting Roberto’s life, a power that no one else in Tita’s immediate family could possibly replicate (56). Born into such a inflexible tradition, Tita is also capable of birthing her power and influence upon her family.
On the other hand, tradition is also extremely inhibiting. Though tradition lends Tita an opportunity to be a woman in her household, it does not offer her an opportunity to escape her role as a woman. Attributes of a poor tradition include limitation on choices and acceptable behaviors. As the masculine figure in the novel, Mama Elena burdens Tita, always reminding her that “being the youngest daughter means [Tita has) to take care of [Mama Elena) until the day [Mama Elena] die” (3). Throughout the novel, Mama Elena makes it clear to Tita that she must “First work, then do as you please, except crying” (45). As much as Tita would want to act one way, Mama Elena’s strict enforcement of tradition makes it difficult for Tita to deviate from her current life. In this manner, tradition is disabling and destructive. Esquivel perpetuates the idea that the most destructive traditions are those that do not adjust to the current conditions. Though guaranteed an opportunity to be a caregiver and nurturer, Tita is not given an opportunity to love Pedro, bear her own child, or live a free life. Because of the rigid nature of her tradition, Tita is severely limited to the mundane role as caretaker and is unable to grow as an individual.
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Throughout the novel, Tita constantly struggles against Mama Elena’s impeding enforcement of tradition. Mama Elena becomes a constant source of indignation for Tita. Though Mama Elena’s death seems to grant Tita the right to live her life, Mama Elena’s spirit comes back to haunt her. It is not until Tita rebels against her mother’s spirit is she able to live the life she has always wanted to live. “Once and for all, leave me alone! I won’t put up with you! I hate you,T have always hated you,” Tita exclaims when she finally stands up for herself against her mother (94). By illustrating the dynamic quality of certain traditions through Tita’s servitude and rebellion, Esquivel helps decipher the differences between traditions that are destructive and traditions that are good and powerful. Esquivel extends the notion that the best traditions are those that are altered to meet current, personal needs. Because Tita was able to stand up for herself and strike down the tradition imposed on her by her mother, she made it possible to live the life she always wanted.
Varying characteristics and types of tradition have both enhanced and challenged Tita’s life. Though encumbered by the rigidity of certain traditions, Tita overcomes this fate by standing up for herself and breaking away from this tradition. Esquivel’s message is that we must not accept tradition at its face value but constantly evaluate it to fit our needs.
