Student Question
Why does Squeaky in "Raymond's Run" spend much time watching her brother?
Quick answer:
Squeaky spends much time watching her brother Raymond because she is responsible for his care due to his unspecified disability. As the narrator of "Raymond's Run," she explains that while her mother does not assign her many chores, looking after Raymond is her primary duty. Squeaky ensures his safety during their walks and acts as his protector, ready to defend him if anyone threatens or teases him.
In "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara, the main character and narrator of the story is Squeaky, a young girl who has the responsibility of watching and tending to her older brother, Raymond. Squeaky describes Raymond as being "much bigger and he's older too." However, Raymond is "not quite right," and he is Squeaky's responsibility to watch out for.
At the start of the story Squeaky explains that her mother does not give her many chores to do around the house, and all that she has to do is "mind" her brother Raymond, "which is enough." Squeaky describes how she has to keep her eyes on him all of the time and make sure to walk down the street with him on "the inside" since he is "subject to fits of fantasy."
Squeaky also describes being a loyal protector and defender of her brother. She is not afraid to "take chances" and knock someone down if they threaten or tease Raymond.
For all of these reasons Squeaky must spend a lot of her time with her brother Raymond.
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