Political Allegory and Character Archetypes in

Like Water for Chocolate

Mariah Anderson












ELA
Mr. Cook
19 September 2014



Allegory is used to show a message or a lesson in the book, and the allegory that
is used in Like Water for Chocolate is a political allegory. A political allegory is when a
dictatorship will lead to a breaking point. Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for
Chocolate, adds serious meaning to the narrative by using allegory. Like Water for
Chocolate is a political allegory that uses characters to represent selfish conformity,
rebellion, and oppression.

The character that demonstrates selfish conformity is Pedro. Pedro is the selfish
conformist because when Esquivel writes, Smiling delightedly he went over to her, bent
down, and kissed Tita on the forehead (76). He is showing selfish conformity because
he only has personal ambitions and only cares about what he wants. Another time when
he is showing selfish conformity is when Esquivel writes, A single rhythmic and sensual
motion, a single trembling breath, a single desire. They stayed in this amorous ecstasy
until Pedro lowered his eyes and stared steadily at Titas breasts (67). Pedro tries to
satisfy only his desires and ambitions while Mama Elena is still dictating his life and
decisions.

In Like Water for Chocolate rebellion is shown from Gertrudis. Esquivel writes,
Even though Juan had thrown the reins aside and was passionately kissing and
embracing Gertrudis. The movement of the horse combined with the movement of their
bodies as they made love for the first time (56). The act of rebellion is motivated by
passion and emotion. Gertrudis is also acting impulsively. Another time when Gertrudis
was rebellious is when Esquivel says, Now at last, after so many men have been with
me, I feel a great relief (126). She is rebellious for not wanting to believe in Mama
Elenas ideal because she wants to experience love by being with many men.

Laura Esquivel uses the main character Tita to show oppression. Oppression is
shown when Mama Elena says to Tita You know perfectly well that being the youngest
daughter means you have to take care of me until the day I die...You dont have an
opinion, and thats all I want to hear about it. For generations, not a single person in my
family has ever questioned this tradition, and no daughter of mine is going to be the one
to start (10/11). Mama Elena is always controlling the oppressed. Tita shows
oppression by not standing up to her mom. Mama Elenas rule oppresses Tita when
Esquivel writes, Nor am I going to allow you to ruin your sisters weddingand dont let
me catch you with a single tear or even long face (27). Tita is known as the oppressed
because she is sacrificing her own emotions because of Mama Elenas rules.

Esquivels use of political allegory adds to the narrative because the story gives
the reader more to think about.The rhetorical device of allegory is used to show a
lesson to the story and it makes everything have a deeper meaning in the book. This
effect is clear in Like Water for Chocolate because there is a difference in the story and
characters by seeing the characters representing` selfish conformity, rebellion, and
oppression. Overall, the moral lesson in Esquivels novel is that even though there are
terrible things happening in the world people can still manage to live their lives.