In "Like Water for Chocolate," the protagonist engages in various emotional and physical activities that symbolize her internal struggles and passions. Among her favorite pastimes are pressing, smashing, and skinning, which reflect her desire to express herself and cope with the constraints imposed by her family and society. These actions serve as a metaphor for her repressed feelings, illustrating her yearning for freedom and connection through the medium of cooking.
Through these culinary processes, the character channels her emotions into food, creating dishes that convey her sorrow and longing. Each act of preparation becomes more than just a chore; it embodies her spirit and desire for love. The labor of cooking allows her to communicate the feelings she cannot express verbally, highlighting the intricate relationship between food and emotion in the narrative.