Analysis Of The Stolen Party By Liliana Heker

How would you react to someone who doubts you because of your background? What would you say? What would you do? In the short story “The Stolen Party,” by Liliana Heker, a young girl’s mother had refused to let her go to a party, as it was meant for the rich. Due to the fact that her mother was the maid of the party’s host, she thought her daughter would be someone that is brushed aside. However, she convinces her mother to let her go, and she has quite a fun time there, playing games and having fun with monkeys, despite one girl who had questioned her background. At the end of the party, as others were receiving return gifts including yoyos and bracelets, the young girl, Rosaura, was given a mere two dollars. The poem “Borders,” by Denice …show more content…
For instance, in the text, it states, " ‘Ah yes, your friend,' her mother grumbled. She paused. 'Listen, Rosaura,' she said at last. 'That one’s not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid’s daughter, that’s what.' Rosaura blinked hard: she wasn't going to cry. Then she yelled, 'Shut up! You don’t know anything about being friends!' " This means that Rosaura was defending her relationship with her friend because in the text we learn that she wanted to attend her friend’s party, yet her mother believes she would not belong there. When one desires something strongly despite the cruel remarks of others, it only increases their desire to prove the wrongdoers that their opinion matters. In this case, when Ana’s mother mentions that she would not be fitting for a “rich people party,” she feels that that should not be a factor in friendship. Further, in the text, it states, “Nor did she look in the blue bag. Instead, she rummaged in her purse. In her hand appeared two bills. ‘You really and truly earned this,’ she said handing them over. ‘Thank you for all your help, my pet.’ Rosaura felt her arms stiffen, stick close to her body, and then she noticed her mother's hand on her shoulder. Instinctively, she pressed herself against her mother's body. That was all. Except her eyes. Rosaura's eyes had a cold, clear look that fixed itself on Senora Ines's …show more content…
For example, in the text, it states, “The two boys behind her don’t know how to do long division, but they know that Ana Maria has braids and that Ana Maria’s hair is thicker than their sisters And they don’t know how they know. But they know how to treat difference when they smell it, so they say things like, ‘YO! Go back to your country.’ ” This means that the girl was being pressurized because of her noticeable and distinct aspects because in the text we learn that her “hair is thicker than their sisters” and that she has braids, thus causing some to tease her. Being different must have been hard for Ana because in the text we learn she crossed a border, which means there is something off about her, as she was not raised in the particular region where she lives. Another example in the text is, “But her guidance counselor says she can’t get financial aid or the instate tuition rate because of her status.” This means that, due to Ana’s “status,” she could not receive a proper education. This is clearly a factor of inequality, as she is treated in a manner that forces her self-esteem levels to plummet. This concerns my claim because it shows that "inequality" were the main ropes that helped erect the storyline. Referring back to the text, Ana was a child who was taunted for where she originated. The readers were provided with a