The Maid's Daughter - Ch. 5 Leaving "Home"

Ch. 5 of The Maid’s Daughter sees Olivia leaving “home” (the Smith’s home). Olivia’s case is typical in a sense of excitement of leaving a parent’s house, but more importantly she will have a space for her mother to differentiate work and family boundaries away from the Smiths. Ironically enough her mother Carmen doesn’t see it that way and is shortly offended by Olivia leaving the Smith’s home. Here is where Olivia and Carmen develop their own sense of identities away from the Smiths. Even so, as much as Olivia wishes to break free from Liberty Place once and for all, it becomes difficult to do so. Olivia ends up taking a job babysitting for Mrs. Jimenez. Olivia realizes the stereotyping of her role as the maid’s daughter, but she takes the job to be closer to her mother, who also works for Mrs. Jimenez.

Olivia wants to separate herself from the Smiths and when her mom and Mrs. Smith get into a fight, Mr. Smith comes looking for Olivia to explain how Mrs. Smith sees both Carmen and Olivia as forever family. Olivia is quick to point out the many injustices that Carmen working for the Smiths has suffered. Carmen’s indebted work position, blurred boundaries, etc. Olivia points out the class issues and social discrepancies afforded Carmen because of her complicated work position and dedication in the Smith’s lives. This affected Carmen and Olivia’s relationship growing up together. Olivia had always maintained a passive resistance but was becoming more outspoken and educated. Her friends were helping her see the racism she endured by the Smith’s patronizing and condescending ways. Leaving “home” allowed Olivia the opportunity to explore her emerging identity. She defends causes/issues/people close to her heart and culture, all while learning how to adjust to the world outside of Liberty Gates.