Power, Resilience and Somewhere in Between

 
     "The Stolen Party" by Liliana Heker is a story about power, resistance and a balance somewhere in between. In the short story we see Roasura, a young girl struggling to accept her position in the social system. Roasura's mother a maid, has difficulty teaching her resilient daughter the valuable lesson. In a brave and quite harsh manner, Roasura's mother opts to let her figure it out on her own during Luciana's party. Roasura learns her lesson the hard way, but that doesn't mean she comes to accept it.
     Throughout Roaura's journey in "The Stolen Party" we see her resilience to the truth. When Roasura's mother says that she will be viewed as, "the maids daughter" Rosaura lashes out. She tries to prove her mothers statement incorrect by showing resilience but is left with nothing. In my opinion, deep down Roasura knew that she wasn't viewed as equal to the other "higher" peers. Her fear is what is creating her resilience and she wasn't ready to accept it. Because of this, during the party she takes any power she can get to show her power over the other kids. Whether it be giving some a big piece and others a small one, or being the chosen one, she'll take any form of dominance. What i'm really trying to say is that Rosaura knows that she is viewed as less so she tries to make up for it in any way that she can.
     Finally by the end of the story, Rosuara's fear is handed directly to her. She is not accepted as a guest but instead has been viewed as a worker. As Señora Ines goes to pay Rosaura and her mother the balance is broken. Rosaura's resilience is so strong as well as Señora Ines' to show power. Both forces push so hard against "the glass" it shatters. I think the shattering was a symbol of Rosaura's heart as she realizes the truth. Now mending back the pieces will be her final act of resilience in strength as she comes to terms on how she is viewed in society.

- Aleyna Ndaw :)