Stolen Party by Liliana Hecker

Stolen Party by Liliana Hecker

Stolen Party

"the Stolen Party" by Liliana Hecker

This poignant and instructive story is centered on the theme of social and class difference and then way that these differences are experienced by a child. In essence, the central theme that is explored in this story is the innocence of a child confronted by the harsh realities of prejudice and social inequality.

The story revolves around the central character of a young girl named Rosaura. When she attends a party the social distinction between rich and poor, as well as class differences are clearly exposed through the eyes and feelings of the young girl.

These social differences become clearly apparent for the very beginning of the story. While Rosaura is excited at the prospect of attending the party, her mother is less enthusiastic as she is aware that this is a party for rich people and that Rosaura is the daughter of a maid servant. While the child does not see any social or class distinctions in attending her friend's birthday party, her mother is aware of the reality of social prejudice. She tells Rosaura that, "That one's not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid's daughter, that's what." ( Hecker) However, class differences are meaningless to the young girl who sees and judges people on their character and personality and not on status or position. In the course of the party she undergoes a sad and painful awakening to the reality of prejudice.

During of the party everything goes well for Rosaura. She is described as being extremely happy and at ease. She is chosen to help the magicians and is lauded for her participation. From a literary perspective the author creates an illusion that all class and social distinction have been forgotten during the party and that Rosaura is accepted as just another friend attending the function. The only reminder of her status as the daughter of the maid is a rather irritating "girl with the bow" who insists in inquiring who Rosaura is and how she knows Luciana. However, Rosaura successfully evades and ignores these inquiries and proceeds to enjoy the party as an apparent equal.

The illusion of contentment and acceptance is however destroyed in the final section of the story. On leaving all the guests receive a small present. When Rosaura leaves she is not presented with a gift like all the other guests but is rather offered money for her "services." The shock of the socials made in this gesture is intensified by the previous appearance of the acceptance of Rosaura. In the last few sentence, Senora Ines does not look the pink bag of gifts but rather looks into her praise and take out some money. "You really and truly earned this," she said handing them over. 'Thank you for all your help my pet'." ( Hecker) This sentence carries it all the weight of implied social prejudice and class distinction and must be devastating to the young girl who feels that she had been accepted as an equal during the party.