form of education; however his knowledge is built upon learning from silent observation and
listening to others. Being isolated from society causes Patrick to lack the communication skills
required to interact with people. “[…] but he wants conversation – the language of damsel flies
who need something to translate their breath the way he uses the ocarina to give himself voice,
something to leap with over the wall of this place.” (10) Patrick wants to communicate and find
his true identity in society, however he lacks the voice required to do so. Similarly, Laura
Esquivel, portrays Tita as an unopinionated character, who is isolated from her own family.
“From that day on, Tita’s domain was the kitchen […]. This explains the sixth sense Tita
developed about everything concerning food.” (7 Esquivel) The foundation of Tita’s struggles
due to isolation, initializes when she is put in the kitchen as a servant. Unlike Patrick, Tita has to
develop her inner character, and speak for herself against injustice in the family. “‘I won’t stand
for disobedience,’ Mama told her, ‘nor am I going to allow you to ruin your sister’s wedding
[…] and don’t let me catch you with a single tear […]’” (27) Along with isolation, Tita is
wedged under the family tradition of “not marrying until Mami dies,” which has given Elana
(Tita’s mother) control over Tita’s emotions, due to which Tita’s inner self is unable to emerge
out of her soul. Isolation from society and family is a factor in both novels, which has confronted
the search for identity for the central characters.
Both authors have shined some light on the central characters by allowing them to be
exposed and aided by other characters to develop their self confidence and awake their senses.
Michael Ondaatje introduces Alice, who educates Patrick about the condition between the rich
and poor. “You can bet the rich don’t know it. […] They get skin burns from the galvanizing
process. […] You name the enemy and destroy their power.” (124 Ondaatje) Patrick is educated
about the conditions that the poor work in, which are neglected by the rich, and he ‘observes’ the
sense of rebellion in Alice, and the ability to have an opinion and morals, hence the first
development in Patrick’s character is established. Patrick’s relationship with other characters
allows his story to build even further. “Clara and Ambrose and Alice and Temelcoff and Cato-
this cluster made up a drama without him. And he himself was nothing but a prism that refracted
their lives. He searched out things, he collected things.” (157) Becoming a part of other people’s
stories as they wear the skin of a lion, automatically adds on to Patrick’s life story, which in turn
makes Patrick a prism, refracting their lives. In the end, Patrick develops a character that can say
“lights” and wear the skin of a lion. In contrast, Laura Esquivel introduces Tita to Gertrudis’ (her
sister) courageous character, who strengthens Tita’s inner character. “‘Pedro and you have both
made the mistake of trying to keep the truth a secret, but it will come out in time. […] You have
no choice but to stand up for the truth, right now.’” (190 Esquivel) Gertrudis awakens Tita’s
senses to strengthen her character by making her realize that she has the ability inside of her to
support her struggle for love. As a result, Tita’s inner conscience has awakened, and she is able
to confront Elana’s ghost. “‘I know who I am! A person who has a perfect right to live her life as
she pleases. Once and for all, leave me alone; I won’t put up with you! […] I’ve always hated
you!’” (199) Tita has let her anger exit her soul to rebel against Elana’s tradition, and as a result,
by achieving her life long wish, love, she has expressed her inner Tita. Both authors have
presented the distinct ways in which central characters fight the struggle for identity, however
Ondaatje portrays identity as one’s life story, whereas Esquivel portrays it as the inner character
ignited by the fire in one’s soul.
In conclusion, Ondaatje paints the blank canvas of Patrick with life stories of different
people, whereas Esquivel ignites Tita’s soul with courage, confidence, and love, and all in turn
build individuality, personal identity, and self realization from isolation. The purpose in life, as
concluded from these novels, is merely to find an identity, be that ‘someone’ in society and be on
the spotlight to tell their story of isolation, hatred, and love.
Bibliography
Esquivel, Laura. Like Water for Chocolate. New York: Anchor books, 1989.
Ondaatje, Michael. In the Skin of a Lion. Toronto: Vintage Canada, 1987.