Run

This theme is an important proposition that Ann Patchett develops over the course of Run, suggesting to readers vast differences in the effects of legacies and stories in the life of a family. Through plot development and Kenya’s characterization, Patchett shows how the Doyle family’s legacy is changed—even strengthened—when certain family stories fade.

In Chapter 1, Bernadette shares her family story about the Virgin Mary with Doyle. His remark about the statue’s resemblance to Bernadette makes her want to look at the statue differently, to change all that she knows is associated with the heirloom via story: “Bernadette cocked her head and tried to divorce herself from her history. She tried to see it as something new. ‘It’s art,’ she said. ‘It’s me. Pretend she’s naked’” (4). Thinly veiled by her joke, Bernadette hints to Doyle about the negative motivations and emotions associated with the heirloom’s origin story. However, Bernadette’s hints only pique Doyle’s interest in hearing the story, which she attempts to forestall: “My mother never told you this story? […] She’s afraid of boring you. […] It’s a sad story” (4). Simultaneously, Patchett uses Bernadette’s stalling to pique the reader’s interest. Though Bernadette relays the tale to Doyle, she hesitates again after revealing Billy Lovell’s lie about the statue’s origins: “‘Things go downhill from here,’ Bernadette said.