"The Stolen Party" and Other Stories Lesson Plan

In what ways does Nicolas get caught acting in a role? Is "Alfredo" his only role? What aspects of his personality does Nicolas consider truly himself? In what ways do we all play roles in various areas of our lives, and why do we play these roles?

Students might note the line that takes place in the story after he asks Chelita to pass him the salt: "After this failure, he refrained from trying to charm anyone. He behaved just as the others expected him to behave, and this spared him any more bother," acknowledging his motivation for fulfilling the others' expectations (to spare himself "bother"). They might also focus on how Nicolas first responds to the surreal...