Raymond’s Run — Complete Study Guide
Student-Friendly (American School Style): Summary • Themes • Characters • Vocabulary & Idioms •
Close & Critical Reading Q&A; • LC Summary • Exam Practice
Detailed Lesson Summary (with Text Evidence)
“Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is narrated by Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker (“Squeaky”),
a confident runner who also takes care of her brother Raymond, who “needs looking after” (story
opening, p.2 OCR). Squeaky prides herself on being the fastest and focuses on training instead of
acting “phony.” She often practices with Raymond alongside her, noticing that he imitates running on
the sidewalk rails. The main conflict is the upcoming May Day race against Gretchen, a talented new
runner. There is tension between Squeaky’s pride and her growing respect for Gretchen. During the
race, Squeaky runs so hard she feels “hot and weightless… like I’m flying” (p.10 OCR). As she sprints,
she suddenly sees Raymond running on the other side of the fence with remarkable effort—arms down,
face determined. This moment changes Squeaky: she realizes her brother’s ability and dignity, not just
her own speed. At the finish, the results are close (Squeaky likely wins by a hair), but what matters
more is Squeaky’s new insight. She shares a genuine smile with Gretchen, recognizing a worthy rival
and possible friend. Squeaky decides she could coach Raymond, imagining new goals beyond just
collecting medals.
Theme Analysis (Claim → Evidence → Explanation)
1) Respect over rivalry: True sportsmanship grows when Squeaky and Gretchen recognize each
other’s dedication. Evidence: Their “real smile” at the end signals mutual respect (final scene).
2) Identity and authenticity: Squeaky refuses to be “phony,” choosing honest effort and responsibility.
Evidence: She trains constantly and ignores peer pressure.
3) Family and empathy: Squeaky’s perspective shifts from just protecting Raymond to believing in him
as a runner. Evidence: Seeing Raymond run transforms her goals from self-glory to coaching him.
Character Analysis (with Functions in the Story)
• Squeaky (Hazel): First-person narrator; competitive, honest, protective. She develops humility and
empathy.
• Raymond: Squeaky’s brother; underestimated by others. His running reveals strength and
determination.
• Gretchen: Skilled competitor; begins as rival, becomes respected equal, hinting at friendship.
• Mr. Pearson (“Beanstalk”), Mary Louise, Rosie: Adults/peers highlighting pressures, gossip, and
expectations.
Important Vocabulary & Idioms (Definitions + Examples)
Selection Vocabulary (from LC pages): clumsy, phony, hustle, respect, reputation, swift, psyching.
• clumsy — awkward in movement. Example: “Raymond looks clumsy until you notice his balance on
the curb.”
• phony — fake or insincere. Example: “Squeaky avoids phony behavior; she’d rather train.”
• hustle — to hurry or work hard. Example: “They hustle to the starting line.”
• reputation — what people think of someone. Example: “Squeaky’s reputation is ‘the fastest.’”
Idioms / Figurative Language (LC p.20 “Idioms”):
• “concrete jungle” — a city that feels wild and tough.
• “run like the wind” — to run very fast.
• Bambara’s imagery: “hot and weightless,” “flying” — shows speed and freedom during the race.
Close Reading — Questions & Answers
Q: How does first-person narration shape our view of Squeaky?
A: We hear Squeaky’s honest voice directly—her pride, her responsibilities with Raymond, and her
training. This builds trust and shows her growth.
Q: What details show Squeaky’s responsibility for Raymond?
A: She says he “needs looking after” and runs with him along the fences, keeping him safe as she
trains.
Q: How do Bambara’s images of running ('hot and weightless,' 'flying') build meaning?
A: They create excitement and show Squeaky’s passion—running is freedom and identity, not just
winning.
Q: What is the turning point of the story?
A: When Squeaky sees Raymond running during the race; her focus shifts from herself to pride in
Raymond.
Q: What does Squeaky’s smile with Gretchen reveal?
A: Mutual respect replaces rivalry—both value dedication, hinting at future friendship.
Critical Reading — Questions & Answers
Q: Describe the narrator at the beginning of “Raymond’s Run.” How does she view herself and others?
A: She sees herself as the fastest and values honesty; she protects Raymond and dislikes “phony”
behavior.
Q: Analyze the conflict between Squeaky and Gretchen. How does it change by the end?
A: Rivalry becomes respect, shown by their genuine smile and recognition of each other’s skill.
Q: Interpret the significance of Raymond running during the race.
A: It reframes Squeaky’s goals—she recognizes Raymond’s ability and considers coaching him.
Q: Explain how point of view develops theme.
A: First-person POV reveals inner change—from pride to empathy—supporting themes of respect and
family.
Q: Draw conclusions: What message about winning does the story convey?
A: Winning includes growth in character—respecting rivals and believing in family, not just finishing
first.
Original Question Pages (Snapshots)
Literary Companion (LC) Summary & Extra Practice
LC Reading Skills:
• Point of View: First-person narration; compare Squeaky’s and Gretchen’s perspectives.
• Vocabulary Skill (p.19): Selection words (e.g., clumsy, phony) with usage practice.
• Idioms (p.20): Understand nonliteral meanings; apply to scenes in the story.
• Writing Task: Narrative/personal piece about competition, respect, or family responsibilities, citing
evidence.
Extra Practice:
1) Use 'phony' and 'reputation' in original sentences.
2) From Squeaky’s POV, explain why she respects Gretchen at the end.
3) Identify an idiom that fits the race scene and justify it.
4) Rewrite the final scene from Gretchen’s POV.
Exam Practice (American School Style)
Multiple Choice
1. Which event most clearly marks the turning point of the story?
a) Mr. Pearson’s suggestion about false modesty
b) Gretchen’s training on the hill
c) Raymond running along the fence during the race
d) The May Pole dances
Answer: c
2. Which sentence best expresses a central theme?
a) “Speed is everything in sports.”
b) “Real success includes respecting others and yourself.”
c) “Winning means beating everyone.”
d) “Practice is not important.”
Answer: b
Short Answer
3. How does the first-person voice shape our understanding of Squeaky? Use evidence.
4. Why does Squeaky consider coaching Raymond? What does that reveal about her growth?
Essay Prompts
5. Compare and contrast Squeaky and Gretchen, focusing on how rivalry develops into respect.
6. Explain how Bambara uses imagery and POV to turn a race into a lesson about identity and family.
