🏃🏾Raymond’s Run – Toni Cade Bambara

Subject Matter

“Raymond’s Run” revolves around Squeaky, a young African American girl responsible for her differently-abled brother, Raymond. Despite the challenges, she cherishes her bond with Raymond and fiercely defends him against offensive remarks. The narrative unfolds as Squeaky, confident in her title as the fastest runner, prepares for the fifty-yard dash at the school’s annual track meeting.

Plot

1. Squeaky practices breathing exercises with Raymond in preparation for her upcoming race while taking a walk on Broadway.
2. A confrontation arises with Gretchen, Mary Louise, and Rosie, as they taunt Squeaky about the upcoming race. Squeaky responds with equal antagonism.
3. On the day of the Sports event, Squeaky arrives, places Raymond in the swings, and collects her race number. She eagerly awaits her turn while Raymond cheers from the sidelines.
4. As the race begins, Squeaky focuses on winning, determined and confident. Gretchen runs alongside with equal determination.
5. Simultaneously, Raymond starts an impromptu race on the sidelines.
6. The race concludes, and Squeaky is declared the winner. Gretchen finishes second.
7. Post-race, Squeaky develops a newfound respect for Gretchen’s professional approach to running.
8. Raymond’s successful first race impresses Squeaky, prompting thoughts of coaching him. She contemplates seeking help from Gretchen.
9. Squeaky envisions her future plans, contemplating retirement from athletics and exploring coaching her brother, potentially with Gretchen’s assistance.
10. Resolution: The story concludes with a resolution of the initial conflict. Squeaky and Gretchen, recognizing each other’s talents and strengths, develop mutual respect. The resolution signifies a shift from animosity to understanding, paving the way for potential collaboration in coaching Raymond.

Conflict

The story revolves around two main conflicts. Firstly, there’s a fierce rivalry between Squeaky and Gretchen, marked by competitiveness and animosity as they vie for superiority in running. Additionally, a broader societal conflict arises from the prevailing attitudes toward Raymond and his disability, creating an atmosphere of prejudice and misunderstanding.

Significance of the Title

Despite Squeaky being the accomplished runner, the story is titled after her mentally challenged brother, Raymond. His run, mirroring Squeaky’s, acts as a catalyst for change in her perspective. The title underscores how Raymond’s run transforms Squeaky, highlighting the latent potential within all individuals, even if not immediately visible. This potential often emerges through determination and hard work, qualities shared by both Squeaky and Raymond.

Setting

The primary backdrop is Harlem, New York, with Squeaky mentioning Mary Louise’s move to “Harlem from Baltimore.” While Harlem provides the general setting, specific events unfold on Broadway Street during the confrontation and on the school grounds during the May Day program. The narrative unfolds in May, marked by the May Day festivities, offering a temporal context to the story.

Characters

The characters in the story are Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker (Squeaky), Gretchen, Raymond, Mary Louise, Cynthia Proctor, Rosie, Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker, and George.

1. Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker (Squeaky): Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, affectionately known as Squeaky, due to her slender arms and a voice that squeaks, serves as the narrator and protagonist in “Raymond’s Run.” Squeaky is fiercely protective of her brother Raymond and fearlessly confronts anyone who disparages his physical appearance or disability.
   
   A skilled athlete, Squeaky has triumphed in all school races, including the twenty-yard dash, forty-yard dash, and fifty-yard dash, earning her the nickname Mercury among older students. Confident and unyielding, she knows she is the neighborhood’s best athlete.
   
   Assertive and courageous, Squeaky refuses to shy away when encountering the girls on Broadway, opting to walk towards them, prepared to defend herself and Raymond if necessary.
   
   Wise, hardworking, and unpretentious, Squeaky openly practices for her sports, stating, “Me, I’ll high prance down 34th street like a rodeo pony.” She never walks when she can trot, showing her dedication to preparation. Irritated by Cynthia Proctor’s pretense of natural abilities, Squeaky values authenticity.

2. Gretchen Parker (Antagonist): The antagonist in the story is the new girl, Gretchen, a freckled-faced young lady who, along with her friends or “sidekicks,” tries to bully Squeaky and her brother, Raymond. Gretchen also challenges Squeaky’s athletic prowess with her claim that she would win the ‘first-place medal’ at the next Sports meet. She is a great athlete who, in competing in the fifty-yard dash with Squeaky, came in a close second. Despite coming in second in the fifty-yard dash, Gretchen displays graciousness in defeat, sharing a smile of mutual respect with Squeaky.

3. Raymond: Raymond, one of Squeaky’s brothers, is older and physically larger than she is, but he is often referred to as her “little” brother due to Squeaky taking on the role of his caretaker. He is differently-abled, with a notable feature being his big head, often referred to as a ‘pumpkin head.’ Raymond experiences fits of fantasy and possesses a wild imagination.
   
   Unfortunately, he becomes the target of bullying, enduring instances where people take his allowance or mock him about his ‘pumpkin head.’ This, naturally, annoys his protective sister, Squeaky.
   
   In a surprising turn, Raymond reveals himself as a remarkable runner, effortlessly keeping pace with Squeaky during her practice sessions. Come May Day, during the annual races, he takes part in his inaugural race, showcasing exceptional performance. His accomplishments not only earn the admiration of those around him but also the profound respect of his sister, Squeaky. Recognizing his untapped potential as an athlete, she envisions coaching him to help unfold his capabilities and achieve a commendable measure of success in life.

4. Cynthia Proctor: Cynthia is depicted as a disingenuous young lady who presents her successes as effortless products of innate talent. She asserts that she never studies for tests or spelling bees, opting instead for leisure activities like playing handball or watching television. Despite this outward nonchalance, Cynthia aces tests and clinching spelling bee triumphs with remarkable frequency.
   
   Squeaky keenly discerns the lack of authenticity in Cynthia’s claims particularly because she often hears Cynthia practicing scales on her piano during early morning encounters near Cynthia’s home. This incongruity between Cynthia’s claimed indifference and her evident commitment to practicing the piano strikes Squeaky and sparks annoyance within her.

5. Mary Louise: Initially a newcomer to Harlem from Baltimore, Mary Louise faced bullying and physical confrontations from her peers. Squeaky, demonstrating kindness and courage, stood up for her, offering support and protection. However, despite Squeaky’s past defense, Mary Louise’s attitude has taken an ungrateful turn.
   
   Squeaky observes that Mary Louise now “talks about Squeaky like a dog,” highlighting a shift in their relationship dynamics. This change implies Mary Louise’s apparent forgetfulness or disregard for the loyalty and protection she once received from Squeaky during her challenging initiation in Harlem.

6. Rosie: Rosie is a companion of Gretchen and Mary Louise; Squeaky describes her as “fat and stupid” with a big mouth. Additionally, she is portrayed as a coward since when called ‘Fatso’ and confronted by Squeaky, she becomes intimidated and afraid.

7. Mrs. Parker (Squeaky’s mom): Mrs. Parker, Squeaky’s mom, is a housewife embarrassed by Squeaky’s street racing, pretending not to know her.

8. Mr. Parker (Squeaky’s Dad): Squeaky’s dad, Mr. Parker, manages household chores and proves faster than his daughter.

9. George:Squeaky’s eldest brother, George, previously caring for Raymond, now runs errands for the big boys.

Themes

1. The story prominently explores the themes of Self-Identity and Self-Acceptance through its main character, Squeaky. Self-Identity involves how an individual perceives themselves, embracing the unique qualities that define them. Similarly, Self-Acceptance is about finding satisfaction with one’s personality, strengths, and even flaws. Squeaky confidently sees herself as a skilled runner, comfortable with her athletic abilities. Rejecting stereotypical feminine roles, she has no interest in activities like dancing around the Maypole or wearing pretty dresses. Instead, Squeaky contentedly accepts herself as a dedicated athlete, committed to hard work and training for success.

2. The theme of family love and support is also prominent in the story, as depicted through the protagonist, Squeaky, and other family members. Bambara establishes each family member’s roles from the story’s outset. The mother manages household duties, Squeaky’s brother George handles errands and Christmas card sales, Squeaky cares for her special needs brother, Raymond, and the father attends to various other tasks around the home. Squeaky takes her responsibilities seriously, going as far as shielding Raymond from societal ridicule and standing up for him against disrespectful individuals. This family dynamic showcases mutual support among its members, ensuring the preservation of a strong and cohesive family structure.

3. The theme of competition and competitiveness is evident through the dynamic between Squeaky and the antagonist, Gretchen. As a previous champion, Squeaky is determined to win the quarter-mile race at the upcoming May Day Programme. Gretchen, a new and formidable competitor, introduces strong competition, creating conflict between the two. The story emphasizes the importance of effort in achieving success in competitions and acknowledges that there will be winners and losers. Crucially, both Squeaky and Gretchen handle the race’s outcome gracefully, developing mutual respect and exchanging smiles, akin to a handshake.

Narrative Style

The narrative unfolds in a chronological sequence, commencing with Squeaky introducing readers to her family and her passion for sports, progressing through various events, and culminating in the Sports Day Programme. This linear plot style aligns with the story’s simplicity, mirroring the child narrator, Squeaky. The reader can easily comprehend, empathize, and connect with the events unfolding in the narrator’s life.

Point of View

The story is narrated from a first-person perspective, with the writer opting for Squeaky’s viewpoint. This choice immerses readers in the life of a young African American girl navigating the challenges of growing up in Harlem, New York. By adopting Squeaky’s perspective, the writer provides readers with insight into the experiences, beliefs, and hurdles faced by black individuals during that era. This approach aims to foster a deeper understanding and empathy for the struggles of the marginalized in society.

Devices

1. Metaphor:

• “he…starts thinking…the curb is a tightrope (p. 2); but that’s chicken; I’m so burnt.”
• “Concrete jungle”: reference to the city in comparison to the country to show that life in the city is hard.
• “Miss Quicksilver herself”: another reference to the narrator’s speed on the track.

2. Simile:

• “he plays like he’s driving a stagecoach; he looks around the park like a periscope in a submarine movie; high prance down 34th street like a rodeo pony.”

3. Irony is evident in several situations:

• The young girl Squeaky is expected at that age to be a girly girl but instead is tough and athletic.
• Raymond, who is known as differently abled and is rejected by society, turns out to be a talented runner.
• Squeaky, who is fearless and aggressive at the beginning of the story, changes into a softer version of herself by the end of the story, willing not only to help her brother take over the athletic spotlight but also willing to enlist the help of her former rival Gretchen to do so.
• Squeaky’s family is poor, yet rather than being happy that she doesn’t have to spend money on clothes that Squeaky would only wear once to the May Pole event, her mother is displeased with Squeaky’s lack of interest in the event.

4. Foreshadowing/Metaphor:

• “The big kids call me Mercury… cause I’m the swiftest thing in the neighbourhood.” The repetition of the word “Mercury” coupled with the words, “the swiftest thing in the neighbourhood” (a metaphor) foreshadows that Hazel Elizabeth Parker, also known as Squeaky, would be victorious in the race.

5. Allusion:

• “I see right away that it is going to be one of those Dodge City scenes”: reference to a western movie where the characters dodge bullets as they fight off each other. This was used to refer to the fact that Squeaky was willing to face her rivals even if she got into verbal or physical sparring with them.
• “She…can’t afford to throw stones” (p. 3) reference to Scripture: “He that is without sin cast the first stone.” Also, the proverb “those who live in glass houses must not throw stones.” In this instance, Squeaky is comparing Rosie to Raymond with the view that Rosie should not tease Raymond as she is no better than he is, physically and mentally.
• Reference to Jack and the Beanstalk Fairy Tale to describe Mr. Pearson’s tall and thin physical stature and also to portray his far-fetched notion that Squeaky should let someone else win the race: a thought Squeaky has no intention of entertaining.

6. Hyperbole (Exaggeration):

• “She won the Spelling Bee for the millionth time; I could kill people like that.” In the reference above, the narrator shows her extreme displeasure with Cynthia Proctor’s attitude of pretense, which contrasts greatly with her genuine and sincere personality.

Diction

The chosen diction, such as “Mind my brother,” “I don’t play the dozens,” “people ain’t grateful,” and “whupped her behind for less salt than that,” serves as a linguistic bridge, immersing readers into the vivid setting of Harlem, New York. The words echo the voices of its inhabitants, many grappling with poverty. Consequently, the language authentically mirrors the economic and social realities of the individuals in this locale, painting a rich and genuine portrait of their lives.

Tone

The writer’s tone reverberates with admiration for Squeaky, applauding her profound sense of familial duty, which she approaches with the same earnestness devoted to her athletic endeavors. This tone eloquently underscores the writer’s appreciation for Squeaky’s resilience and commitment, portraying her as an admirable figure seamlessly balancing responsibilities within her family and the athletic arena.

Mood

The mood undergoes nuanced shifts throughout the story’s progression. Initially, a reflective ambiance sets the tone as Squeaky shares insights into her familial life. Phrases like “hustling, runs errands, mind my brother” contribute to this contemplative mood, offering a glimpse into her daily struggles and responsibilities.

As the narrative unfolds, the mood evolves into one of acceptance. Squeaky candidly reveals her personal victories and challenges, embracing her athletic identity while caring for her whimsical brother. This shift is accentuated by her nonconformity to societal expectations, choosing athleticism over traditional feminine pursuits like the May Pole.

Concurrently, a mood of competitiveness surfaces through the rivalry between Squeaky and Gretchen. Their determination to triumph in the 50-yard dash at the School Sports introduces an element of tension and rivalry, amplifying the narrative’s dramatic undertones.

Ultimately, the story culminates in a mood of admiration. Squeaky expresses respect for Gretchen’s professionalism as an athlete, recognizing her capabilities. In turn, Gretchen admires Squeaky’s triumph in the race. This concluding mood emphasizes the theme of mutual respect and admiration, adding a touch of positivity to the narrative’s overall atmosphere.

Writer’s Purpose: Message

The author endeavors to explore various societal issues within the confines of this short story. The narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by the impoverished African American community in Harlem, where siblings often find themselves shouldering parental responsibilities, as exemplified by Squeaky’s pivotal role.

A focal point of the narrative is the competitive spirit between the two young women, providing insight into the dynamics of rivalry. However, the resolution suggests a profound message – that healthy, authentic competition has the potential to cultivate mutual respect among competitors. The author, Bambara, underscores the notion that the negative energy often associated with competition is superfluous. Instead, individuals are urged to remain humble in their successes, fostering an environment where they can recognize and appreciate each other’s unique talents. This thematic exploration adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to contemplate the broader implications of competition and camaraderie in societal contexts.