I have finished my novel, and have loved it! It ends by, I will keep it vague in the sake of not spoiling, Tita is not pregnant. Rosaura dies. Esperanza is able to wed to John’s son. And after countless of years of hiding their love, Tita and Pedro made passionate love without any worries. The fire inside Pedro killed him, and moments later killing Tita (just by her reliving their inner fire).
I really enjoyed how this book displayed culture, sense of self, and struggles we face throughout life. It has given me a great research topic of how cultures affect our relationships and marriage. In this culture, Tita was forced to obey her elders and community; otherwise shame would come to the family name. We, as American’s, tend to not consider those things as hurting our families and tend to think only of ourselves. We also seem to put less emphasize on the family name, compared to countries like Mexico and India. I look forward to researching more of these patterns.
Going back to my original senior project question: How does someone discover/rediscover themselves? Tita, on page 199, finally stood up to her mothers putdowns. “I’m tired of you tormenting me. Leave me in peace once and for all!” She also, at this point in the novel, knows who she is-as a sister, lover, aunt, and most importantly a passionate cook. “I know who I am! A person who has a perfect right to live her life as she pleases. Once and for all. Leave me alone; I won’t put up with you! I hate you, I’ve always hated you!”
My favorite moment of her self realization was page 240: “…how long ago it seemed that Tita had felt like a chile in nut sauce left sitting on the platter out of etiquette, for not wanting to look greedy.” She finally was able to be with Pedro, instead of alone out of courtesy. She was done with all of the fake marriages and forced families. She knew who she loved, and nothing was going to stop her from loving him anymore!
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