The symbolism of arsenic
The arsenic which is presumably used to kill Lila's ex-boyfriend is symbolic of cowardice, psychopathy, and evil. The person that used arsenic to murder Lila's ex-boyfriend is cowardly, psychopathic, and evil. They used an undetectable substance to kill someone in a horrible, inhumane way.
The symbolism of adobo
The building material adobo is symbolic of the Mexican culture in that Lila was born. Adobo was used in both Mexico and the Southern U.S. and reflects the Mexican culture.
The symbolism of Lila's aunts
Lila's aunts are important symbols of Mexican culture. In Mexican culture, aunts represent a support system for children and an encouragement system. They also play an important role in the lives of their Mexican nephews and nieces.
The symbolism of the food critic
For Lila and her Tita's restaurant, food critics are symbolic of what made it less-than-successful. When food critics panned Lila and her Tita's restaurant, business to it decreased and caused it to struggle.
Motif: Lila's aunts interfering in her life
A common motif in the novel is Lila's aunts interfering in her life. Initially, her aunts interfere in her life by trying to get her set up with a man. They also interfere with her life by coaxing her to help save Tia's restaurant. These interferences set up the main conflict in the novel.
