Symbolism of "Like Water For Chocolate"

Like Water For Chocolate has three significant symbols that applies to life. They also apply to the struggles of the De La Garza family, as well as Tita's hurts and pains. The three significant symbols are the onion, the quail in rose petal sauce, and the cream fritters. These foods are used as expressions of love and rebellion.

The onion is symbolic to the sensitiveness of Tita. She was born prematurely because of the smell of the onion. This contrast was created in a beautiful way of stating that Mama Elena will be vicious to Tita because she does not want her. This symbol is very significant because the author is describing the viciousness of Mama Elena (Esquivel, 5).

The quail in rose petal sauce is symbolic to the rebelliousness against Mama Elena. It also represents love and sensuality. How it symbolizes rebelliousness is because it causes Mama Elena to think about her husband who passed away. How it symbolizes love and sensuality is because the scent of the roses inside the bodies sends love messages. The couples could taste the sweet flavor of the quail in rose petal sauce from sharing a kiss (Esquivel, 26-28).

The cream fritters represent love, as well as the quail in rose petal sauce. The only difference is that it represents teamwork. Gertrudis was left in the kitchen to make the fritters. She had Sergeant Trevino help her make the fritters. That type of teamwork shows love.






            In conclusion, foods in Like Water For Chocolate are symbolic because they apply to Tita's rebellion against her family tradition and they are used as a way of making fun of many traditional ideas established in the past (Wachowiak). Food is a very significant symbol because it is also a way of expressing love. Any type of emotion is expressed with food.