We have been talking about the film Like Water for Chocolate this week. Overall, the class seems to be enjoying the film and the students are starting to think more about the film as a piece of literature that can be read. (This is partially because the film is adapted from the Esquivel novel.)
So far we have been examining the relationships of the women in the film (Dona Elena, Rosaura, Gertrudis and Tita) and the role men have played in their lives. Tradition has also played a huge role in the lives of these women because the central tension in the film is between a dominant mother and a dutiful, repressed daughter.
Elements of Magical Realism are infused into this captivating story, causing us to question the realities of the world. Gertrudis very poignantly states: "The truth is there is no truth." The key to understanding "reality" in a story filled with Magical Realism is realizing that many realities exist--it is within our power to choose which truth to believe. The character of Gertrudis encapsulates this idea.
One more thought before tomorrow: think again about why Tita would suggest that Rosaura only daughter be named Esperanza (from the Spanish verb esperar--meaning to hope, to wait). Think about Esperanza's fate and what that means to Tita. This will lead you to further understand the film.
Remember, this unit is centered on reading between the lines of a text and understanding the many layers that exist within one text. Part of what we see is blatantly placed there by the author, other ideas are more subtle. Our job as readers is to bring with us our own individual experiences as we read; this includes books and stories we have previously read.
This level of analysis will change your world! Remember: there is meaning everywhere.
Ms. Harris
Elements of Magical Realism are infused into this captivating story, causing us to question the realities of the world. Gertrudis very poignantly states: "The truth is there is no truth." The key to understanding "reality" in a story filled with Magical Realism is realizing that many realities exist--it is within our power to choose which truth to believe. The character of Gertrudis encapsulates this idea.
One more thought before tomorrow: think again about why Tita would suggest that Rosaura only daughter be named Esperanza (from the Spanish verb esperar--meaning to hope, to wait). Think about Esperanza's fate and what that means to Tita. This will lead you to further understand the film.
Remember, this unit is centered on reading between the lines of a text and understanding the many layers that exist within one text. Part of what we see is blatantly placed there by the author, other ideas are more subtle. Our job as readers is to bring with us our own individual experiences as we read; this includes books and stories we have previously read.
This level of analysis will change your world! Remember: there is meaning everywhere.
Ms. Harris
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