How does Dr. Brown slowly bring back Tita to sanity?

This chapter reveals that Tita’s silence is not merely an effect of grief but is also a result of her new sense of control. When Dr. Brown asks her to write down why she will not speak, Tita writes “Because I don’t want to.” Tita discovers a hitherto unknown autonomy and exercises it by choosing to remain silent until she decides to speak.

Dr. Brown inherits his medical profession and gift for healing in the same way that Tita inherits her cooking gifts. Both Tita and Dr. Brown are inspired by maternal figures with whom they spent much time during their childhood. Nacha leads Tita to cooking and Dr. Brown’s grandmother Morning Light inspires him to practice medicine. Tita heals in this mythic and supportive space.