Summative Essay Example: Pedro from Like Water for Chocolate and Lady Macbeth from Macbeth

Pedro from the story Like Water for Chocolate and Lady Macbeth from the play Macbeth are both important characters in their respective stories. In Like Water for Chocolate, Pedro’s strong feelings for Tita lead him on a journey of obstacles that changes the course of his relationship with her throughout the story. In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth’s savage-like personality helps commit her to do the nasty work to get what she ached for the most; the throne. With ambition and pride, both these characters share certain traits, but their small differences allow for them to be contrasted just as well. Both Pedro and Lady Macbeth are similar because they pursue their desires with great ambition and passion, yet they differ in the manner that which they approach their dreams.  

Both characters reveal that they have something they want in their grasp. For Lady Macbeth, that would be the throne. The ambitious, fierce side of her character shows after the witches give their prophecies, where she decides to do anything to get to the throne, even if it means getting her own hands dirty. Pedro shows just as much ambition, as revealed when he says that “through this marriage, I have gained what I really wanted; the chance to be near you, the woman I really love.” Because marrying Rosaura was his only way to stay close to Tita, he took his chance and married, even if he carried no feelings for Rosaura. This exemplifies great commitment as well as loyalty, given the fact that Pedro would marry someone else and still harbor feelings for Tita. Pedro’s commitment can be connected to Lady Macbeth’s ambition, thus making them similar characters in the way they devote themselves to getting what they want. 

Despite their similarities, Pedro and Lady Macbeth have certain character traits that make them different, which can be shown by their actions and mindset. Although Pedro faced several obstacles in order to finally be with Tita, he held his patience and waited for the time until he could be free with Tita. This is shown near the end of the book when Pedro states that he “didn’t know that it would take twenty-two years before I could ask you to be my wife.”. The text also states that for the first time, “Tita and Pedro could make love freely”. Pedro’s ability to stay put and wait for the right moment rather than commit bold actions contrasts with Lady Macbeth’s actions. Hungry for the throne, Lady Macbeth showed almost no hesitation when it came to getting her hands blood-stained. Although guilt eventually consumed her, Lady Macbeth’s strong urge to fulfill her goal led her to make bold actions that cost her and Macbeth dearly. Pedro’s sneaky encounters with Tita may have been bold, but he never took the opportunity to get rid of Rosaura or Mama Elena like what Lady Macbeth did, which is what creates the distinction between the two characters.

Even though Macbeth and Like Water for Chocolate are two entirely different stories, the characters that play significant roles share some similarities along with their differences. Lady Macbeth and Mama Elena can both be portrayed as the villain, whereas Macbeth and John can be viewed as completely different characters. The most unique of these character combinations is Pedro and Lady Macbeth. Though they share certain traits of ambition and commitment toward their goal, they ultimately differ in their actions. Pedro and Lady Macbeth eventually live out their dreams, but because of certain actions, Lady Macbeth takes the greater fall. In conclusion, Pedro and Lady Macbeth are characters that can be compared and contrasted because of their character traits and actions.