Student Question
Describe the relationship between Hazel and Raymond in "Raymond's Run."
Quick answer:
In "Raymond's Run," Hazel has a close relationship with her brother Raymond and views herself as his guardian, caretaker, and mentor. Hazel supervises Raymond wherever they go, defends him against cruel people, and plans on becoming his track coach. Hazel thinks outside of herself and is able to put her brother first by recognizing his talents and helping him achieve success.
Hazel "Squeaky" Parker has a unique relationship with her mentally disabled older brother, Raymond. Even though Hazel is Raymond's younger sibling, she views herself as his guardian and mentor. Whenever Hazel does her running exercises and practices her breathing techniques, she makes sure that Raymond walks by her side on the inside of the street. Since Raymond is rather high-strung and "subject to fits of fantasy," Hazel keeps an eye on him at all times and makes sure that he is safe. In addition to supervising Raymond during her exercises, Hazel also defends her older brother from cruel, insensitive people. Hazel sticks up for Raymond whenever people try to insult him and says,
But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me.
Before the big May Day race, Hazel runs into several of her "enemies" and...
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defends her brother when Mary Louise Williams sarcastically asks what grade Raymond is in. Hazel demonstrates her loyalty and love for Raymond through her willingness to fight for him.
Although Hazel is primarily focused on her running career for the majority of the story, she gains perspective when she notices that Raymond is keeping up with her during the fifty-yard dash. Hazel is impressed by Raymond's athleticism and seriously entertains the idea of becoming his coach. Hazel believes that she can teach Raymond to compete and views herself as his future mentor. By the end of the story, Hazel looks forward to coaching Raymond and helping him achieve success.
In "Raymond's Run," how is Hazel's relationship with her brother Raymond characterized?
In the beginning of Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run” Hazel resents having to take care of her brother, Raymond. In the first paragraph Hazel explains, “All I have to do in life is mind my brother, Raymond, which is enough.”
In the second paragraph, she describes Raymond’s disability, which is why her brother needs “looking after.” Hazel’s way of dealing with those who dare to make fun of her brother is to knock them down. As the story progresses, she details her tactics for keeping Raymond in check such as having him walk close to the buildings to keep him from going in the water in the street gutters. If he goes home wet and dirty she is subject to punishment, which she resents. If Raymond manages to get away from her watchful eye, he often upsets the elderly people sitting out in the sun along the street. When this happens, Hazel, who is also known as Squeaky, is the one who has to apologize for his actions. It is not until the end of the story that Hazel’s attitude toward Raymond changes.