Seeds of Distortion
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Few things in existence are more difficult than trying to fit in. It is a lifelong, ever evolving process that to some extent truly never ends. The journey is tough enough with the variety of distractions, influence, and temptations that arise. Comprehension of these obstacles is key in overcoming them. How then can a young child be mentally equipped for the challenge, when the child’s own mother plants distorted seeds of self image.
In the short story “The Stolen Party”, by Liliana Heker, the dynamics of this question present themselves from the very beginning. Rosauras mother Heminia, with no regard for her daughters feelings, downplays the upcoming party with scorn in her tone. “I don’t want you going” (315), “ It’s a rich people’s party” (315), is the initial response. Rosaura, who is obviously taken back by the comments, tells her mother with no hesitation, “I’m going because I’ve been invited.” (315). To further solidify her position in the matter she adds “And I’ve been invited because Luciana is my friend . So there.” (315). How did something so simple and fun as a child’s birthday party inspire such
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emotion and disdain? In a child, no less. Rosauras enthusiasm has already been thwarted by her mothers cold, bias opinion.
Having tried, unsuccessfully, to stop Rosaursa from wanting to go to the party , her mother switches to plan B. “Ah yes, your friend” (315), “That ones not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maids daughter, that’s what.” (315). An attempted strike to what Rosaura holds dear almost pays off. Rosaura holds back the tears brought forth by this insult, but is hurt nonetheless . Rosauras friendship with Luciana is one forged over time. They do homework together, and even exchange secrets over tea. It is stated that Rosaura loves the people who live in that house. This shows that Herminia either one, is not very in tune with her daughters life, or two, is a little too in tune with her own. It is not long after this exchange between the two, that Rosaura starts to feel the confusing swirl revolving within her head.
Evident throughout the story , is the fact that Rosaura is a bright girl who thinks for herself, and does so with a certain maturity. Being the thinker that she is, her mothers pessimistic attitude towards Rosaura raises very alarming questions. Rosaura admittedly “Wants to be rich, of course”(316). She wants the best life has to offer. She has goals, which is an enviable trait by anyone’s standards. How sad is it then, when Rosaura wonders to herself, “If one day she managed to live in a beautiful palace, would her mother stop loving her?” (316). The idea that a mother would stop loving her child for succeeding, against the odds no less, is ludicrous.
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Party time is here. Rosaura has seemingly put the unpleasantness between her mother and herself aside. Rosaura gets to the party and gets a much needed boost to her confidence. “How lovely you look today Rosaura.” (316), is the unexpected reaction from Senora Ines. Heminia is gone and Rosaura can feel the excitement in the air. She says hello to her beloved friend Luciana, at which point they share yet another secret between friends. “He is in the kitchen. But don’t tell anyone, because it’s a surprise.”(316), speaking about the monkey Rosaura had previously been informed of. Privileged information? Usually something only true friends are entitled to. Besides that, she got to see the monkey too. “You, yes, but not the others, they’re much to boisterous, they might break something”(316). Another compliment from Senora Ines, speaking to Rosauras maturity level.
Rosaura is having a good time at the party. She helps Senora Ines by carrying a jug of juice into the dining room from the kitchen. And while it is easy to believe Rosaura helped because she is a maids daughter, there is no evidence that Senora Ines ever asked Rosaura to help. In fact Senora Ines offers Rosaura a way out by asking, “Are you sure you can manage a jug as big as that?”(317). Hardly the act of somebody with the expectation of servitude. Perhaps this was simply a generous act by Rosaura towards Senora Ines, whom she loves. Besides, Rosaura is the only one allowed in the