Magical realism is conveyed well in the movie Like Water for Chocolate. In one scene, Tita breastfed her infant nephew in order to meet his nutritional needs. The milk just “magically” appeared in her breast. Throughout the whole movie, there is a theory about the use of matches and the trigger inside of the human body that lights them. All of these examples of supernatural ideas.
The family tradition of the youngest daughter not marrying to take care of her mother is outrageous. It was awful to see Tita live the way she did only because she was the last born. Not only was her mother abusive, she wasn’t even able to follow her dreams and marry the man that she longed for. When Esperanza took off with the man from the revolution, she was disowned by her mother, even to the point where her mother burned all of her memories.
I really like the use of food throughout the entire movie. I have learned from this class the importance of food in the Hispanic culture, and it is used a lot in the movie. Tita prepared an elaborate meal each day, and often there were uses of “magic” in scenes where people ate the foods that she cooked. Love was spread though her cooking, and in one scene after eating the food, everyone broke down in tears. It was really fascinating to watch.
Every week we watch a movie, I think that they get more and more interesting. Every week I think I have a new favorite. This movie, with the use of magical realism, was very fun.
I agree that the family tradition of the last born daughter having to take care of her mother until death is outrageous. You are basically being punished because of the order of your birth. Everyone should be allowed to follow their dreams and marry those that they love. Mama Elena treated Tita as you would a slave. You would never see this happening in our culture. Most parents today only want their childs happiness, and are sad, but proud and happy, when they leave to follow their dreams.
ReplyDeleteWhat would you do if you had to marry your fiancé's brother? Do you think you would do it to please the family's tradition? great insight!
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tita was being treated like a "slave". To professor Anorga, I would not have gone through with the wedding if I was in Tita's place. I have more respect for my family members than that!
ReplyDeleteMonika Carpenter