Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquivel
Enrichment Activities
Chapter 1
LA
R
CW
1. Keep a list of literary devices (metaphors, similes, personification) as you read the
novel, citing the page numbers on which you find them. Write one or two sentences
explaining the significance of each literary device.
2. Research memory and smell. Using your research, write one or two paragraphs that
explain why smell triggers memory. Using MLA format, include at least 2 quotes and
have 2-3 sources on a Works Cited page.
3. Write two or three paragraphs explaining the origins of a tradition in your family.
Then, rewrite the story using elements of magical realism (such as supernatural or
fantastical details) to explain the same family tradition.
Chapter 2
CW
CW
LA
1. Rewrite the description of the wedding preparations from Rosaura’s point of view.
Consider the statement “Rosaura wasn’t sure, but she suspected that Pedro’s love
for Tita was never-ending” (p30).
2. Tita remembers triumphant moments from her past to avoid playing “the losers
role” (p37). Write about a time when you hid your true feelings in a public situation.
3. Through cooking, Tita transmits her emotions to wedding guests. Write an essay
about whether or not you think each of us imparts something of ourselves in
everything we do.
Chapter 3
R
R
CW
R/A
1. Research the history of bathing and the invention of the shower. Then research
other inventions/modernizations of the 1900’s. Create an illustrated time line with
your findings. Include a Works Cited Page in MLA format.
2. “That is the way history gets written, distorted by eyewitness accounts that don’t
really match the reality” (p56). Brainstorm examples of historical events that may
have been distorted. In a 3-4 paragraph essay, discuss historical/factual accuracy
and the types of sources considered most reliable (primary v secondary).
3. At the end of Chapter Three, Tita runs outside to look at the stars, thinking to herself
that love or maybe just a look might be able to start a fire. Write a poem that
exemplifies Tita’s thoughts.
4. Research the history of etiquette manuals such as El manual de Carreño by Manuel
Antonio Carreño. Design an etiquette manual appropriate for present-day manners.
Chapter 4
R
R
CW/
A
CW
1. Research the legend of La Llorona, the Weeping (Crying) Woman. Discuss why the
legend is part of the Hispanic culture. Include a Works Cited page in MLA format
and make sure you cite any information you use with internal citations.
2. Research Pancho Villa. Consider the reasons some people consider him a folk hero,
and others think he is a murderer. Complete the following sentence: “I consider
Pancho Villa to be a folk hero/murderer because…” Continue the sentence,
providing reasons for your answer.
3. “Tita’s finest recipes date from this period of suffering” (p69). Create a recipe to be
included in Tita’s cookbook.
4. Review Tita’s experience packing a suitcase for Gertrudis. List five mementos you
would include in a suitcase for a sibling and why you would include these items.
Explain which sentimental items would be difficult to pack.
Chapter 5
A
CW
1. Create a photo essay or other artistic impression that illustrates Tita leaving the
ranch in Dr. Brown’s carriage, her bedspread trailing behind them.
2. Imagine you are Tita, and write a poem expressing your feelings while you are
hiding in the dovecote.
Chapter 6
CW
R
LA
CW
1. Imagine that you are Dr. John Brown, and create Tita’s medical records, recording
her ailments and progress during her stay at your house.
2. Research the practice of using leeches as medical treatments. Write a newspaper
article about the ways modern medicine benefits from leech therapy. Include a
Works Cited page in MLA format and make sure you cite any information you use
with internal citations.
3. Review Morning Light’s theory “that each of us is born with a box of matches inside
us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves” (p115). Write an essay about whether
you think the person who “ignites” the matches can be replaced over time.
4. Create a poem about silence.
Chapter 7
LA
CW
CW
1. Gertrudis writes to Tita, “…I have to find the right place for myself somewhere”
(p126). Write an essay about what you think is the “right place” for you.
LA
CW
LA
CW
2. When Tita returns to the ranch, she and Mama Elena communicate without words.
Write a dialogue between the two women, explaining what each could have said.
3. Write a eulogy for Mama Elena.
4. Analyze the simile “fresh as a head of lettuce” (p135) as Tita uses it to describe her
feelings about her mother. Write one to two paragraphs explaining your
interpretation.
5. Tita doesn’t see Mama Elena’s “true self” until after Mama Elena dies. Write an
acrostic about yourself using the phrase “true self.” Example for Tita:
Trusting
Sharp-witted
Realistic
Exceleent cook
Unique
Loves Pedro
Emotional
Feels trapped
Chapter 8
A
A
R
1. Sketch or paint a scene that depicts the metaphoric meaning of the phrase “boiling
mad.”
2. Tita adds a basket of flowers as a centerpiece for her dinner table. Ancient
Egyptians and Chinese are credited with starting the art of flower arranging. Some
cultures place flower in containers; others make wreaths or scatter petals. Often,
the flowers and plants used in arrangements are symbolic. Create a floral
centerpiece. Explain your choice of materials and what each piece represents.
3. Write a one-page report about bedbugs (cimex lectularius) and ways to get rid of
them. Explain whether you think Tita’s home remedy will eradicate the bedbugs and
why. Include a Works Cited page in MLA format and make sure you cite any
information you use with internal citations.
Chapter 9
R/A
A
R/A
R
1. Research the history and uses of chocolate. Prepare a visual presentation displaying
your findings.
2. Design your own zoetrope. (Instructions are available at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/smart/makes/steps/make_series11_zoetrope.shtml.)
Include a written summary explaining the principle of “persistence of vision.”
3. Research the roles of women in the Mexican Revolution. Then complete one of the
following: (a) illustrate a scene of soldaderas in camp, (b) stage an interview with a
famous woman of the revolution, or (c) create a legend about the archetypal woman
warrior “La Adelita.” Include a Works Cited page in MLA format and make sure you
cite any information you use with internal citations.
Chapter 10
CW
R/CW
R/CW
1. Review Gertrudis’ comments about truth. Write an adage (a traditional saying that
expresses something taken as general truth) that gives your definition of truth.
2. Discuss the meaning of psychosomatic symptoms in relation to Tita’s pregnancy.
Prepare an argument to support your viewpoint.
3. Research Zacatecas, the city that Gertrudis’ troop had orders to attack. Pretend you
are a soldier in Gertrudis’ troop and describe the events you experienced during the
Toma de Zacatecas (Taking of Zacatecas) in 1914.
Chapter 11
A
CW/A
R
1. Use an artistic medium of your choice (e.g. painting, sculpture, sketch, collage) to
depict Tita and the “hen hurricane”.
2. Tita sings to bring the beans to a boil. Create a sample of music that inspires you to
activity and name the activity, e.g. cooking, exercising, etc. Write a brief analysis of
the musical piece, the activity it inspires you to do and why.
3. Find newspaper and magazine articles about lip reading technology. In a short,
informative report, explain the planned uses for the technology and whether you
think the devices are practical. Include a Works Cited page in MLA format and make
sure you cite any information you use with internal citations.
Chapter 12
R/A
LA
CW
1. Complete an illustrated time line for either automobiles or clothing fashions. Include
a Works Cited page in MLA format and make sure you cite any information you use
with internal citations.
2. Write an essay summarizing the novel’s message about the role family plays in a
person’s destiny.
3. Using the Thought Bubble, write a description of the wedding from John’s point of
view.
LA=Literary Analysis
A=Artistic
CW=Creative Writing
R=Research
Post Reading Enrichment Activites
Creative Writing
1.
2.
3.
4.
Write a letter to a character in the novel. Discuss the character’s motivations for
his/her actions.
Write an editorial article for a newspaper about the healing power of food.
Write and stage a play that includes magical realism.
Create a poem about personal freedom.
Literary Analysis
5. Create a list of instances of “magical realism” that occur throughout the novel.
6. Find a current news story about women’s rights and write an essay relating the
story to Like Water for Chocolate.
7. View the movie Like Water for Chocolate. In an essay, discuss whether you like the
novel or movie version best and why
8. Compare and contrast women in the Mexican Revolution with the De la Garza
women.
Art
9.
10.
11.
Design a cover for Tita’s cookbook.
Illustrate a typical day or scene on the De la Garza ranch.
Create a collage or other artistic impression that associates emotions with food.
Research
12.
13.
14.
Research postcards from the Mexican Revolution. Then create postcards to
illustrate major events in the novel. Your postcards should look as old and authentic
as possible.
Design an issue of a nineteenth-century Mexican women’s magazine. Include
recipes, romances, home remedies, a calendar of local events, helpful household tips,
and an advice or gossip column.
Produce a cooking slow for television. Working with classmates, create props,
scripts, and background music. Prepare a recipe from the novel. Videotape your
production.
Student Name:
Period:
Like Water for Chocolate
Portfolio Assessment
Item
Creative Writing
3 examples must be
included
Points Possible
Points Earned
30
10
10
10
Artistic
1 example must be
included
10
10
Research
2 examples must be
included
30
15
15
Literary Analysis
1 example must be
included
10
10
Post Reading Discussion
Questions
20
20
Total Points Possible







100
Every piece of your portfolio must be: TYPED (except your ARTISTIC piece), NEAT, NOT
PLAGARIZED, and your very best work!
Place everything in a notebook to turn in.
Make sure you have a cover page that is decorated to represent the novel and what you found
most interesting or most important.
Include a Table of Contents that lists all the items you have included. Include this score card so I
may grade your portfolio.
Write the titles of your pieces in the blanks above so I may know what I am looking for.
HAVE FUN!