Raymond's Run Squeaky Analysis

In the short story, Raymond’s Run, Squeaky’s view of her own determination and drive help her to learn and appreciate those values in others. Before Squeaky’s epiphany, she was self-confident and boasted that she was the fastest thing on two feet. Squeaky also took her running seriously in that she is not afraid to practice high stepping onto the street where everyone can see her. In her eyes, girls should not diminish their abilities but work ambitiously to develop their talents. After winning the race, Squeaky realizes that winning is not everything and sees things in a new light. Squeaky finds her true inner voice of her identity and personality which helps her have a revelation about the talent of other individuals such as developing a mutual respect for Raymond and making a new found friend, Gretchen.

On the day of the race, Squeaky checks out her rival at the starting of the race and notices that Gretchen is kicking her legs out like a pro. This sparks a newfound respect for Gretchen. “I get up and slip off my sweatpants, and then I see Gretchen standing at the starting line, kicking her legs out like a pro” (Bambara 38). This illustrates that Squeaky finds that Gretchen might work as hard as she does and begins to look at Gretchen with respect. Also, after Squeaky finishes the race she starts to like Gretchen for
“After all, with a little more study I can beat Cynthia and her phony self at the spelling bee. And if I bugged my mother, I could get piano lessons and become a star.” (Bambara 40). This shows that deep down Squeaky has a respect for Cynthia and wants to be like her. Squeaky is very competitive and maybe even envies Cynthia because even though Cynthia doesn’t show it, she actually works hard on the spelling bee and