Roberto’s death in Like Water for Chocolate is a pivotal moment that underscores the tragic consequences of thwarted love and the oppressive familial expectations that the characters endure. Roberto, who is in love with Tita, dies while attempting to escape the suffocating hold of tradition and the constraints placed on him by his family.
His death occurs after he is forced to leave the family home due to the pressures from Tita’s mother, Mama Elena, who refuses to allow their relationship to flourish. In a desperate act, Roberto joins the rebel forces, hoping to find freedom and ultimately a life with Tita. However, he is killed in battle, which highlights the theme of sacrifice throughout the novel.
Roberto’s demise is not just a personal tragedy for Tita; it serves as a direct reflection of the broader societal constraints faced by characters in the story. His death signifies lost potential and the heartbreak that comes from unfulfilled desires and love that cannot thrive in the face of societal pressures.