CHARACTERS

Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker/ Squeaky

Raymond Parker

Gretchen P. Lewis

Rosie

Mary Louise

Cynthia Proctor

Raphael Perez

SETTINGS

New York

The May Day Event

SUMMARY OF STORY

One might say that “Raymond’s Run” is the story of both Raymond’s and Hazel’s story. Hazel tells the story and reveals the challenges she overcomes to retain her title as May Day’s Event champion runner of the fifty yards. Hazel allows the readers to appreciate the duties within her family or household as she takes care of her brother Raymond. She shows that she is an individual with a strong mind. Hazel takes care of her older but mentally challenged brother Raymond. Her brother follows her everywhere and she does her best to keep him out of trouble while she practices her breathing exercises and her running skills and techniques. She faces a challenge from the new girl in town, Gretchen P. Lewis. The new girl believes that she can win the race against Hazel. This is further complicated by the fact that Rosie and Mary Louis are reinforcing the idea, and this becomes disturbing to Hazel.

Hazel compares herself to other characters that have fewer attractive qualities. She speaks of Cynthia Procter and the fact that she does not practice playing the piano or spelling. She also speaks about Raphael Perez who messes with the minds of the other runners when he gets on track and the way he uses this technique to win races. Hazel also tells the readers that her mother would like her to assume the behaviour of a “girl” but that she would prefer being the way that she is.

CONFLICT

Hazel and Gretchen, her rival in the May Day event.

Raymond versus the society as people such as Rosie and Mary Louise, attempt to belittle Raymond because of his disability.

RESOLUTION

The story ends with Hazel retaining the championship in the fifty-yard dash despite the close finish with Gretchen. Hazel realizes that Raymond has also run the fifty-yard dash using his own technique.

THEMES

Identity

Rivalry

Childhood Experience

Love and Family Relationship

The relationship among girls