Since the dawn of time, class and race have been paramount in society. In caveman times, roles and traditions were passed down based on gender. The man was responsible for protecting and gathering food while the women were responsible for cooking and maintaining the house. This belief has gone through time and evolves slowly with each era. But throughout history, men and women have lived with preconceived ideas about their duties to their families. These notions have been passed down from generation to generation and have affected the way people live within their society. In the novel “Like Water to Chocolate,” social class is revered in the De la Garza family story. As we see through the personal journey of Tita, the main character, these distinctions are evident. Set during the time of the Mexican War of Independence, the De la Garza family consisted of Mama Elena and her three daughters. “At the beginning of the Revolution, the most significant and life-changing activities of women were related to their families” (Monk). The eldest daughter was Rosaura, followed by Gertrudis and finally the youngest, Tita. Tita's father had died shortly after Tita's birth. They lived on a selfish farm where all members were expected to help. Each woman had tasks that had to be completed without complaint. Even though the fictional story revolves around recipes, other gender-based ideals are revealed. “These activities no longer took place within four walls, which made the survival of the family essential” (Monk). The first tradition mentioned in "Like Water to Chocolate" was the role of the youngest daughter in relation to her future. These women did not have the right to marry. Their duty in their life was to care for the mother as ...... middle of paper ...... ments in 1776." Map of General Washington's Battle Engagements in 1776. Web. April 21, 2012. .Guidotti- Hernández, Nicole M. “National Credits: Yaqui Autonomu, the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution and the Bicentennial of the Mexican Nation.” Latin Americanist 55.1 (2011): 69-92. Pathways.” Pathways. Web. April 14, 2012. .Monk, Heather Dashner. “Notes on Mexican Women Past and Present, Reflections on a Revolution.” Against the Grain 25.4 (2010): 20-24. Academic research completed. Web. April 14, 2012 “Nibbles – Family Stress”. University of Illinois Extension Urban Programs Resource Network, April 3.. 2012. .