Another win by Squeaky in the fifty-yard run is the climactic and conclusive story element in Raymond’s run. However, this event is not central to the story; it is not what all the premises and descriptions were about. The core element of this short story is that the heroine, for the first time, finally notices her brother, Raymond, running in support of her. “It’s the first time I ever saw that,” Squeaky admits (Bambara, n.d., p. 45).
It was Raymond’s run that was a revelation for the heroine that opened up new perspectives on her life and surroundings. “All I have to do in life is mind my brother Raymond” are among the protagonist’s first thoughts in the story (Bambara, n.d., p. 38). The significance of her brother’s action lies in that, seeing that, despite his condition, he has the potential of an athlete, Squeaky freed herself from mental shackles. She realized that he could have a different, successful, happy future just like hers is not defined by family legacy or current surroundings and sports hobby.
Squeaky’s thoughts about her brother and their interactions reveal much about the protagonist. For example, the heroine loves her family and cares little if they sometimes have little disagreements or conflicting views. She is also a protective person with a straightforward attitude. However, before Raymond’s run, she was overly self-focused. Her late realization that her brother was successfully repeating her running routines all this time in the ending indicates it (Bambara, n.d.). Squeaky’s depictions of other minor characters, such as her family and peers, differ from Raymond’s one. For example, she considers adults simple and narrow-minded, with Mr. Pearl as a prime example (Bambara, n.d.). Conversely, she sees her peers as competitors, schemers, and adversaries. Depiction of Raymond by Squeaky is kind; it is not sarcastic or judgmental.
Reference
Bambara, T. C. (n.d.). Raymond’s run. Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Web.