Raymond's Run

Fiction | Short Story | Middle Grade | Published in 24

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Symbols & Motifs

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Symbols & Motifs

May Day Race

The May Day race is the central event in the story. Determined to win the relay, Squeaky spends her free time practicing her breathing exercises to ensure her success at the race. The May Day race as a motif firstly reflects Squeaky’s work ethic and desire to succeed. She must simultaneously balance caring for Raymond and pursuing her own passion, which is not always an easy task. Secondly, the May Day race represents a major shift in perspective for Squeaky. When she notices Raymond running along with her on the sidelines, she realizes that he is a naturally gifted runner, and he has the potential to be as successful in competing as she is. This is the first time in the story that Squeaky expresses pride for her brother; her pride is so great that it overshadows her own success.

Similarly, Squeaky begins to view her rival, Gretchen, in a new light at the May Day race. Squeaky notices that Gretchen is a serious runner in the same way that she is, which allows her to develop a newfound respect for her opponent.

The Fence

The fence at the park where the May Day race takes place is a symbol of the clear separation between Squeaky and Raymond. On one side of the fence is Squeaky—hardworking and grounded in reality—who is competing in the relay for which she has been practicing and intends to win. On the other side of the fence, in the sidelines, is Raymond—who has an intellectual disability and prefers to live in his imagination—who decides to participate in the race in his own way by running alongside the actual participants when the race begins. Though the fence symbolizes the differences between these two characters, it also allows Squeaky to consider their similarities. Squeaky is taken aback by the sight of Raymond running and nearly stops in her tracks to watch her brother’s first run. After the race, Raymond climbs over the fence to greet his victorious sister. Squeaky realizes then that Raymond could make a decent runner, and that perhaps they are not as different as she thought.

Running

Squeaky is extremely passionate about running. Before the May Day race, she juggles taking care of Raymond with practicing her breathing exercises, even though balancing her responsibility and hobby is not always easy. Something special happens whenever Squeaky competes in a race; she describes the moments before a race starts: “…I always feel like I’m in a dream, the kind of dream you have when you’re sick with fever and feel all hot and weightless” (Paragraph 23). When she competes, Squeaky is transported to another realm, one in which her running allows her to feel powerful, weightless, and free—free of responsibility, free from others’ judgment, and free to be her most authentic self. Then, when the gun goes off, she becomes grounded in reality and determined to win and reap the fruits of her labor. The running motif reflects Squeaky’s desire to escape from her daily reality and pursue her true passion, regardless of what others may think.