Rylan Schutz
Ms. Ivers
World Literature
18 April 2023
Mexican Revolution Through the Marxist Lens “There are some things in life that shouldn't be given so much importance if they don't change what is essential.'' (Esquivel) This quote shows that no matter how high or low you are in society the essentials should be more important than the materialistic items. By analyzing Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel from the Marxist lens one can better understand more about how the economic lives of the characters affect the outcome of the book.
The social classes in Mexico during the time period of the book included the upper, middle and lower classes. The upper class made their wealth based on the land they owned. The middle class was very small in population and only showed up once the country started industrialization.
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These women were silenced. “You don't have an opinion, and that’s all I want to hear about it. For generations, not a single person in my family has ever questioned this tradition…” (Esquivel 11). This shows how Mama Elana represented a character who held power over her family. When her daughter questioned the family’s tradition she put her down and kept control over her daughter. This can be seen as an example of how those in power can use historical facts to maintain control over the people they rule and oversee.
The relationship between labor and power is a vital element in understanding the Marxist theory and how it appears in the book. The De la Garza family’s power and wealth are dependent on the labor of their workers, specifically the ones who clean, cook, and take care of the family. This is symbolic of the expectations placed on the working class laborers by the ruling elite. However, Tita's love for cooking becomes her escape and rebels against the oppressive system. This shows how she can still seem to be obedient while being a rebel in disguise through her