what is a good thesis statement for raymond's run

A Summary and Analysis of Toni Cade Bambara’s ‘Raymond’s Run’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Raymond’s Run’ is a 1971 short story by Toni Cade Bambara (1939-95) which originally appeared in the anthology Tales and Short Stories for Black Folks . In the story, a young girl named Hazel Parker prepares for a race; Bambara uses this plot to explore the challenges young black women face as they learn to assert their own identity while also dealing with family loyalties.

‘Raymond’s Run’: plot summary

The story is narrated in the first person by Hazel Parker, a young black girl who is known in her neighbourhood as ‘Squeaky’ on account of her voice. She is on a street corner preparing to take a walk down Broadway with her older brother, Raymond, who has learning difficulties and requires Hazel’s care and attention at all times.

Hazel is preparing to run in the May Day race the following day and has come to Broadway to practise her breathing exercises. She has a reputation for being a swift runner and the ‘big kids’ have nicknamed her Mercury, after the swift Roman messenger god. She compares herself with Cynthia, a clever girl from school who works hard to achieve things, as Hazel does, but unlike Hazel she acts as though she puts no effort in.

As she and Raymond are walking along the road, they bump into Gretchen and her ‘sidekicks’. Gretchen has recently arrived in the neighbourhood and intends to run in the fifty-yard dash against Hazel the following day.

In addition to this, a couple of Hazel’s former friends, Mary Louise and Rosie, are now hanging out with Gretchen. Mary Louise tries to poke fun at Raymond but Hazel challenges her on her behaviour. Hazel and Gretchen stand off against each other.

The next day, Hazel makes her way slowly to the starting place for the fifty-yard dash. She is deliberately making herself late so she avoids the May Pole dancing in which girls are encouraged to dress up and act like a fairy or a flower. When she gets to the park, she is approached by Mr Pearson, one of her teachers, who enters her name in the race and suggests she might let someone else win the race this year, such as Gretchen, the new girl. Hazel rejects this suggestion, staring at him.

When the race takes place, Hazel notices Raymond, whom she had placed on the swings, is now on the other side of the fence and has adopted the same starting position, imitating her, prepared to race alongside his sister. During the race, which Hazel tells us she always experiences as in a dream, she notices Raymond running alongside and the vision of him takes her by surprise.

After the race, Hazel finds herself liking Gretchen for the first time as she watches her rival recovering from the race ‘like a real pro’. There’s some initial confusion over which of the two girls won the race, and while the result is being debated, Hazel notices Raymond climbing the fence to try to reach her, and she realises that he would make a fine runner himself.

The story ends with Hazel thinking about her own future and the possibilities open to her and how Raymond might play a part in them, after she realises that he would be a talented runner himself. She is announced as the winner of the race, with Gretchen in second place. The two girls smile genuine smiles at each other and Hazel comments that societal expectations about how girls should behave prevents them from being respectful of each other.

‘Raymond’s Run’: analysis

We might analyse ‘Raymond’s Run’ by identifying two core strands to the story: Hazel’s relationship with her brother, and her attitude to Gretchen and the other girls with whom she detects a kind of rivalry at school. These two strands are both resolved, or at least altered, at the end of the story when Hazel sees both Raymond and, by extension, Gretchen too in a different light.

The story can thus be categorised as a coming-of-age story, or a story about an important rite of passage which the protagonist undergoes while growing up. After the race, we suspect, Hazel will never be the same again, and her attitudes towards both Raymond and Gretchen, but also towards herself and her place in the world, have shifted.

Toni Cade Bambara thus brings together two important themes – family and gender – through Hazel’s relationships with these two characters. She defines herself partly by both Raymond (whom she has to take care of) and Gretchen (who, having stolen her former friends from her, is a kind of shadow or reflection of Hazel herself).

But Bambara also uses ‘Raymond’s Run’ to explore the ways in which society encourages girls to behave in certain conservative, predetermined ways. Hazel has a dislike and distrust for the May Day dance, which usually sees girls dressed as feminine symbols for the benefit of the whole community. (Hazel herself expresses her contempt for a time when she was dressed up as a strawberry.)

Hazel may not yet be old enough to conceptualise it in such terms, but she is suspicious of traditional gender roles and is aware of society’s role in encouraging (forcing?) girls to behave in certain ways and adopt particular, ‘feminine’ parts, such as a fairy or a flower at the May Pole parade.

Allied to this is one of the central details in ‘Raymond’s Run’: Hazel’s comments about girls and how they don’t know how to smile genuinely at each other, because nobody has taught them how to. Using Hazel as her mouthpiece in the story, Bambara invites us to question whether young girls are being raised to have a healthy or productive attitude towards one another. Where communion and sociability should be encouraged, rivalry and competition are instead fostered through piano recitals, spelling contests, and, of course, running races. Parents want their daughters to triumph so they can boast about their high-achieving child.

Many modern short stories contain an epiphany, often at the end of the story. An epiphany is a realisation that a character has about themselves, or the world around them. And ‘Raymond’s Run’ arguably has one right at the end when Hazel realises her brother’s talent for running, which in some ways is equal to her own. After all, she remarks, he can always keep up with her when she goes running.

But of course, the significance of Hazel’s epiphany lies not so much in her sudden awareness of her brother’s running abilities as in the knowledge she has gained about her own place in the world. Having narrowly compared herself against her rivals – Cynthia the spelling-bee champion, and Gretchen the new popular girl and fast runner – she has lost sight of all that she has achieved and all of the advantages she has.

By contrast, Raymond has no friends and is instead mocked and teased by the other children because of his learning difficulties. He is a talented runner – arguably the equal of his sister – but nobody, not even his sister, has noticed his talents until now, perhaps because they have made their own assumptions about him. When Hazel reflects that she has won many medals and prizes but Raymond has nothing, she realises that she is lucky to be able to achieve as much as she has, and that she has the chance to add to her achievements in the future.

Many epiphanies in short stories involve such a growing generosity of spirit: an increased awareness that our own lives need to be seen in the greater context of the world around us, and that we should be aware of others’ struggles and achievements and approach them magnanimously and sympathetically. And ‘Raymond’s Run’ fits the bill here, too.

Indeed, we might say that Hazel’s sudden awareness of Raymond as she is running the race leads to her overcoming her own petty jealousies towards Gretchen. She acknowledges that Gretchen is good, and she even starts to like her. She wonders if Gretchen could even help her to coach Raymond as a runner. Thus the two key strands of Bambara’s story – Hazel’s relationship with her brother, and her attitude towards Gretchen – are resolved in that one race, leading to a greater sense of commonality and communion between her and them both.

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Raymond’s Run

Toni cade bambara, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

In “Raymond’s Run,” Squeaky is responsible for looking after her disabled older brother, Raymond , despite being a child herself. While her family’s expectation that she will care for Raymond gives Squeaky a sense of pride and identity, it’s also overwhelming: she is constantly fighting with and insulting Raymond’s bullies (which puts her at odds with her peers), and whenever Raymond gets into trouble, Squeaky’s family blames her. Meanwhile, nobody seems to be caring for…

Reputation, Respect, and Identity

Squeaky is an independent, headstrong girl who’s at odds with a society that values strict adherence to social norms. While her parents and teachers expect her to be docile and feminine, Squeaky insists on being herself: she won’t wear dresses, she has rituals that seem odd to others (like constantly practicing running and performing breathing exercises in public), and she spends all her time with her disabled brother, Raymond , whose appearance and behavior expose…

Gender Roles and Female Solidarity

The protagonist of “Raymond’s Run”—a precocious young girl nicknamed Squeaky —hopes that she’ll win the 50-yard dash at the local May Day races. Her main competition is a girl named Gretchen —a feud that reflects Squeaky’s broader estrangement from women and femininity. Leading up to the race, she narrates her discomfort with the traditionally feminine role that her community expects her to play: instead of wearing a frilly dress and dancing around the May Pole…

Essay on Raymond’s Run

Students are often asked to write an essay on Raymond’s Run in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Raymond’s Run

Introduction.

“Raymond’s Run” is a short story by Toni Cade Bambara. It revolves around Squeaky, a young girl who takes care of her mentally challenged brother Raymond.

Bambara explores themes of love, responsibility, and acceptance. Squeaky learns to value Raymond’s abilities, not his disabilities.

“Raymond’s Run” is a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of family, acceptance, and personal growth. It teaches us to appreciate everyone’s unique abilities.

250 Words Essay on Raymond’s Run

Characterization and themes.

Bambara employs vivid characterization to bring out the dynamics of Squeaky’s life. Squeaky is portrayed as a strong, determined, and compassionate character who stands up to societal norms. Her fierce protection and love for Raymond is a major theme that resonates throughout the story. This theme subtly challenges societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their potential and worth.

Symbolism and Narrative Voice

The narrative voice is that of Squeaky herself, which adds authenticity and immediacy to the story. The race in the story is symbolic. It represents not just a physical run, but also the run of life, the run against societal norms, and the run towards acceptance and understanding.

“Raymond’s Run” is a powerful narrative that explores themes of love, responsibility, and acceptance. It provides a profound commentary on societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, challenging them through the character of Squeaky. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love, and the importance of challenging societal norms for the sake of inclusivity and understanding.

500 Words Essay on Raymond’s Run

“Raymond’s Run” is a classic short story written by Toni Cade Bambara, which provides a profound exploration of the themes of family, disability, and personal growth. The narrative revolves around Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, known as Squeaky, a young girl with a unique voice and a strong bond with her mentally disabled brother, Raymond.

Characterization and Theme

The characters in “Raymond’s Run” are multidimensional, providing a rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions. Squeaky, defined by her quick wit and fierce independence, is a compelling protagonist. Her devotion to Raymond is heartwarming and offers a nuanced portrayal of sibling relationships. The story’s exploration of disability through Raymond’s character is commendable, illustrating that disability does not define a person’s worth or potential.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Setting and plot.

Set in Harlem, the story’s urban backdrop adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the socio-economic realities of the characters. The plot is simple yet powerful, focusing on Squeaky’s preparation for the May Day race and her evolving relationship with Raymond.

Conflict and Resolution

The story presents both internal and external conflicts. The external conflict arises from Squeaky’s rivalry with Gretchen, another runner. The internal conflict is Squeaky’s struggle to balance her personal ambitions with her responsibility towards Raymond. The resolution is beautifully crafted as Squeaky realizes that her brother has the potential to run and decides to focus on coaching him, signifying personal growth and maturity.

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Raymonds Run

This essay will provide an analysis of Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run.” It will explore the themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience as experienced by the protagonist, Squeaky. The piece will examine character development, narrative style, and the depiction of family and community dynamics. It will also consider the story’s setting and its impact on the characters and plot. At PapersOwl too, you can discover numerous free essay illustrations related to American Literature.

How it works

The world can be a terrifying spot, and it is normal for individuals to need to ensure themselves and our loved ones. In any case, when you assemble dividers around yourself as well as other people you do not just ensure yourself—you close out the world. In “Raymond’s Run,” by Toni Cade Bambara, the hero, an extreme entertaining young lady named Squeaky, discovers that being too defensive can hurt you and those you love, and that simply by being helpless can you truly carry on with life.

Toward the beginning of “Raymond’s Run,” we see exactly how defensive Squeaky is as a hero. She is extreme. She will battle you in the event that you challenge her. Truth be told she says that as opposed to talking, “I much rather wreck you and take my risks.” She is likewise truly prideful. She believes she is superior to every other person, particularly when she runs. It’s insufficient for Squeaky to be acceptable at running—she must be the awesome—than you. She says, “I’m the quickest and that goes for Gretchen as well.” These models show that Squeaky is intense, and they likewise show her own extraordinary variety of sturdiness.

She is extreme in a manner that is loveable in light of the fact that it is so loaded up with her entertaining character. Toni Cade Bambara additionally shows that Squeaky’s strength comes since she has a hard life and she utilized that durability to deal with her life challenges. Being defensive and intense appears from the outset like the solitary way she can keep herself and her family together.

As the story proceeds, we begin to see that Squeaky’s defense really messes her up. At the point when she runs into the young ladies in the city, she is prepared for a battle immediately. She says, “I see immediately it will be one of the Dodge City scenes,” which implies a standoff. However, the thing is, Mary Louise used to be a companion of hers, and when they meet each other Mary Louise grins and poses a basic inquiry.

Noisy’s reaction? She says, “it’s anything but a genuine grin by any means. An idiotic inquiry like that doesn’t merit an answer.” This makes me feel that Squeaky’s defense is turning into a divider. A divider that doesn’t permit her to make companions, or see the positive qualities in others. In the story, we nearly turn on Squeaky, needing her to appear as something else, less brutal, and perhaps somewhat more pleasant. Now in the content being defensive feels like something that can really hurt you.

Toward the finish of the story Squeaky has changed. As she ran the race, she saw Raymond running in that general area with her, and Gretchen as well, and something releases in her. She understands that perhaps she could prepare Raymond, and that she may like this far and away superior to running herself. She even notification Gretchen, and can say how quick she is, and briefly, Squeaky is even good with the possibility of Gretchen beating

her in the race. At this time, Squeaky opens up—only a tad. She turns into somewhat powerless. And afterward, she imparts a genuine grin to Gretchen. She says, “We remain there with this huge grin of regard between us.” As the story closes, Squeaky discovers that by opening yourself up and turning into somewhat defenseless, you get the opportunity at

making companions and getting regard—which is the thing that she truly needed at any rate.

In “Raymond’s Run,” we watch as Squeaky figures out how to open up—to quit being defensive to such an extent that she fabricates a divider around herself and those she adores. This story instructs us that even a little break in the divider will do—that a straightforward grin, or an adjustment of reasoning could have enormous outcomes. We would all be able to gain from Squeaky, regardless of whether we are not driving everybody away constantly. We would all be able to figure out how to face a challenge in our lives and to open up to others somewhat more. Really at that time will we see the genuine grins surrounding us.

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Raymond's Run

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told. “Raymond’s Run” is told from the perspective of its protagonist , Hazel “Squeaky” Parker, and therefore uses first-person narration. By choosing to write from the perspective of Squeaky, Bambara allows readers to explore her fictional version of 1970s Harlem through the eyes of a poor, but confident and hard-working Black girl. Through Squeaky’s colloquial, somewhat stream-of-consciousness narration, readers are given a clear image of Squeaky and her relationships, beliefs, and interests. This level of interiority allows readers to feel closer to Squeaky, which in turn garners a deeper level of understanding or empathy for her character.

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