Monday, 1 April 2013

In "The Stolen Party" by Liliana Heker, what do you think the author means by the phrase "an infinitely delicate balance" in the last sentence?

The infinitely delicate balance at that
moment is the balance between Rosaura's persona at the party and the fact that she's the
daughter of the housekeeper.

When Se±ora Ines holds out the money to
Rosaura, she's reminding her that she isn't like the other children; she's the child of a
servant. She wasn't at the party as a guest but rather as someone who helped with the domestic
chores. She served the cake and carried food from the kitchen.

The children
that were there as guests were given gifts as they left. The boys got yo-yos and the girls got
bracelets. Rosaura almost expects to get one of each because she was so helpful and charming.
However, she's given money instead and thanked for her help. When she becomes aware of the
difference between her expectations and her reality, she feels the shock throughout her body.
Surely part of Rosaura wants to rage, but Senora Ines remains motionless, waiting for Rosaura or
her mother to accept the money and their place. She knows that if she moves or acts differently,
it might upset the balance between their social places.

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