Like Water for Chocolate Enrichment Activities
This project will be in place of a final test on LWC. From the following activities listed, you will be picking
one literary analysis assignment, one artistic assignment, one creative writing assignment, and one
research-based assignment. The project rubric is on the final page of this assignment.
After each activity, you will see letters in parentheses that tell you the activity type :
LA=Literary Analysis
A=Artistic
CW=Creative Writing
R=Research
Chapter 1
1. 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
(R)
2. 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 (CW).
Chapter 2
1. In two or three paragraphs, 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 neverending” (p30) (CW).
2. Tita remembers triumphant moments from her past to avoid playing “the losers role” (p37). In two or
three paragraphs, write about a time when you hid your true feelings in a public situation, and connect it to
the novel (LA).
3. Through cooking, Tita transmits her emotions to wedding guests. Write two to three paragraphs about
whether or not you think each of us imparts something of ourselves in everything we do. Use the novel for
support (LA).
Chapter 3
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 (R).
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 two to three paragraph
essay, discuss historical/factual accuracy and the types of sources considered most reliable (primary v
secondary) (R).
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 of at least fifteen lines that exemplifies Tita’s thoughts
(CW).
4. Research the history of etiquette manuals such as El manual de Carreño by Manuel Antonio Carreño.
Design a two-page etiquette manual appropriate for present-day manners. Decorate and present it as a
manual (R/A).
Chapter 4
1. Research the legend of La Llorona, the Weeping (Crying) Woman. In ¾ to one page, 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 (R).
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 for two paragraphs, providing reasons for your answer (R).
3. “Tita’s finest recipes date from this period of suffering” (p69). Create a recipe to be included in Tita’s
cookbook (CW/A).
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. This should take approx. one page (CW).
Chapter 5
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 (A).
2. Imagine you are Tita, and write a poem of at least fifteen lines expressing your feelings while you are hiding
in the dovecote (CW).
Chapter 6
1. Imagine that you are Dr. John Brown, and create one page of Tita’s medical records, recording her ailments
and progress during her stay at your house, and your interpretation of these ailments (CW).
2. Research the practice of using leeches as medical treatments. Write a one-page 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 (R).
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 a two to three paragraph essay about whether you think the person
who “ignites” the matches can be replaced over time. Use the novel for support (LA).
4. Create a poem of at least fifteen lines about silence (A).
Chapter 7
1. When Tita returns to the ranch, she and Mama Elena communicate without words. Write a two-page
dialogue between the two women, explaining what each could have said (CW).
2. Write a eulogy for Mama Elena (CW).
3. 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 and how it relates to Titas’s feelings
toward her mother (LA).
Chapter 8
1. Sketch or paint a scene that depicts the metaphoric meaning of the phrase “boiling mad” (A).
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. Illustrate a
floral centerpiece. Explain your choice of materials and what each piece represents (A).
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 (R).
Chapter 9
1. Research the history and uses of chocolate. Prepare a visual presentation displaying your findings (R/A).
2. Research the roles of women in the Mexican Revolution. Then complete one of the following: (a) stage an
interview with a famous woman of the revolution, or (b) 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 (R/CW).
Chapter 10
1. In one paragraph, discuss the meaning of psychosomatic symptoms in relation to Tita’s pregnancy. Use
MLA documentation with a Works Cited page. Prepare an argument to support your viewpoint (R).
2. Research Zacatecas, the city that Gertrudis’ troop had orders to attack. Pretend you are a soldier in
Gertrudis’ troop and, in two or three paragraphs, describe the events you experienced during the Toma de
Zacatecas (Taking of Zacatecas) in 1914 (R).
Chapter 11
1. Use an artistic medium of your choice (e.g. painting, sculpture, sketch, collage) to depict Tita and the “hen
hurricane” (A).
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. Copy this piece onto a CD, and write a brief analysis of the musical
piece, the activity it inspires you to do and why (A).
Chapter 12
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 (R).
2. Write a five-paragraph essay summarizing the novel’s message about the role family plays in a person’s
destiny (LA)
3. Using the Thought Bubble, write a description of the wedding from John’s point of view (CW).
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Every piece of your portfolio must be: TYPED (except your ARTISTIC piece), NEAT, NOT
PLAGIARIZED, and your very best work!
Staple everything together to turn in.
Identify the category of each of your pieces at the top of the first page.
Include this rubric as the FIRST page.
HAVE FUN!
Student Name:
Period:
Your assignments will be graded on the following rubric:
*10 points will be deducted if THIS rubric is not attached to the FRONT of your project
Creative Writing Piece (1 example must be included):
The piece follows the directions in terms of assignment, length, and format
__________ 5 pts.
The piece illustrates correct and sufficient knowledge of the novel
__________ 5 pts.
The piece reflects adequate time and effort
__________ 5 pts.
The piece subscribes to grammatical conventions, ESPECIALLY COMPLETE SENTENCE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF RUN-ONS.
__________ 5 pts.
Artistic Piece (1 example must be included):
The piece follows the directions in terms of assignment and format
__________ 5 pts.
The piece illustrates an effective connection to knowledge related to the novel
__________ 5 pts.
The piece is neat and organized
__________ 5 pts.
The piece reflects sufficient time and effort
__________ 5 pts.
Research Piece (1 example must be included):
The piece follows the directions in terms of assignment, length, and format
__________ 6 pts.
The piece illustrates an effective connection to sufficient knowledge related to the novel
__________ 8 pts.
The piece illustrates sufficient knowledge of MLA documentation, and sufficiently documents all required sources and
information
__________ 8 pts.
The piece subscribes to grammatical conventions, ESPECIALLY COMPLETE SENTENCE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF RUN-ONS.
__________ 8 pts.
Literary Analysis Piece (1 example must be included):
The piece follows the directions in terms of assignment, length, and format
__________ 6 pts.
The piece illustrates correct and sufficient knowledge of the novel
__________ 8 pts.
The piece reflects high-level thinking skills (i.e. analyzing and discussing the novel in terms of deep meaning rather than what
happens on the surface)
__________ 8 pts.
The piece subscribes to grammatical conventions, ESPECIALLY COMPLETE SENTENCE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF RUN-ONS.
__________ 8 pts
Total Score: