A Paper In Like Water For Chocolate
Like Water for Chocolate revolves around the epigram "To the table or to bed, you must come when you are bid," because this is the principle Tita De la Garza lived by all her life. She was contained either in the kitchen or bedroom, wherever the need arises. This, I believe, is the central conflict of the novel.
This shows Tita's weakness, her inability to decide for herself; furthermore, this resulted to clash with her family, particularly Rosaura and Mama Elena, and herself. There is no doubt that Rosaura and Mama Elena are the evil witches in Tita's life, and their shortcomings are reason enough for Tita to oppose the rules they have set before her.
Since the start of the story, Tita has always been bounded by Mama Elena's commands. There was one instance in the story when Tita told her mother "that Pedro Musquiz would like to come and speak with her." And what was Mama Elena's response? "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 that being the youngest daughter mean you have to take care of me until the day I die."
With this, Tita was never allowed to marry, be it Pedro or any other man, because of a very absurd family tradition. And so, the love of her life was wed to her sister. However, the readers might not find any reason whatsoever for Tita not to run away with Pedro. Except for the fact that Pedro was a complete idiot and coward, Tita could have stood up for her love. She and Pedro could have fled from the ranch and start a new life elsewhere. But clearly, there was no place for Tita's opinion in the De la Garza ranch (p. 11), and Tita's adherence to Mama Elena's desire is an evident manifestation of her frailty.
Tita had been a puppet under Mama Elena's control she did everything she was told to. Whenever there is the call' from Mama Elena, expect Tita to be immediately present. Tita was tasked to prepare...
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