LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE By Stephanie Echevarria Romy

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE By: Stephanie Echevarria & Romy Garcia

Background Information Director: Alfonso Arau Release Date: February 1993 Genre: Drama, Romance Also Know As: Como Agua Para Chocolate Based on the novel written by Laura Esquivel

Mexican Revolution Started in 1910 when the leadership of Porfino Diaz was challenged by Frnascisco I. Madero People of all classes were fighting in this war Everyone was dissatisfied with the leadership of the country and wanted to be freed from Diaz This war marked the rise and fall of many leaders War ends with the rise to presidency of Alvaro Obregon However 1920’s some violence continued well into the

Machismo The idea of strong or aggressive masculine pride Examples from the film: The need for a son to carry the family name When Pedro settled for Rosaura’s hand in marriage. He would not give up on being close to Tita. The priest telling Mama Elena she needs a man in the house to protect her and the family.

Marianismo “Mary-ism” The idea that women must reflect the Catholic deal of the Virgin Mary Examples from the film: Elena disowned Gertrudis when she found out she worked out at a brothel. When Rosaura and Pedro got married, they used a white sheet with a hole to have sex for procreation only. Tita felt she couldn’t marry the doctor because she was not a virgin.

Questions What are some other examples of Machismo in the film? What are some other examples of Marianismo in the film? Does Pedro fit the machismo profile? What is Mama Elena’s role in the machismo vs. marianismo situation?

Hombres y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture

3 Explanations For Hypermasculinity Direct result of the Spanish Conquest Obsessed with aggressive images of men from war Emphasis on masculinity has been there since the natives Imposed on the Indians just like Catholicism, foods, and diseases were imposed on them. Pre-Columbian origin Aztecs were divided based on gender; Men’s job was to wage war

Questions What are some reasons for strong masculinity in today’s world? What are some traditional views on masculine and feminine roles? How are traditional views in some what similar to our views on gender roles today? How are they different?

The End

Bibliography Alfredo Mirandé, Hombres y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture, “Genesis of Mexican Masculinity” (p. 29 – 42), “Masculinity: Traditional and Emergent Views” (p. 81 – 99). http: //www. ic. arizona. edu/ic/mcbride/ws 200/m ex-davi. htm