Raymond's Run

“I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands for the big boys and sells Christmas cards. And anything else that’s

got to get done, my father does. All I have to do in life is mind my brother Raymond, which is enough.” 

This quote establishes several things about Squeaky’s home life. We learn that Squeaky doesn’t do any housekeeping, “like other girls,” which develops the theme of her nonconforming attitude toward traditional gender roles. Squeaky’s note on “hustling” suggests that, in her community, it’s normal for the children to help bring money into the family; this point emphasizes that her family is low-income. Finally, Squeaky affirms that caring for Raymond is challenging, which sets the scene for a greater depth of understanding between the two characters by the story’s end.

“But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me. And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky.” 

This quote illustrates how seriously Squeaky takes her job of looking after Raymond. She is fiercely protective of him, perhaps even in ways that are unnecessary. The quote also demonstrates Squeaky’s desire to handle issues head on, regardless of her size or unintimidating voice. We see here Squeaky’s initial perception of Raymond as someone who needs protecting, but who doesn’t necessarily have any ambitions or voice. Later, Squeaky’s understanding of Raymond changes, and she sees him as a potential runner like herself.

“So I keep Raymond on the inside of me, and he plays like he’s driving a stage coach which is OK by me so long as he doesn’t run me over or interrupt my breathing exercises, which I have to do on account of I’m serious about my running, and I don’t care who knows it.” 

This quote demonstrates Squeaky’s ability to simultaneously juggle her responsibilities and hobbies. She practices her breathing exercises while looking after Raymond at the same time, even though it is not always easy.