Student Question

Who bullies Raymond in "Raymond's Run?"

Quick answer:

Gretchen and her sidekicks, particularly Mary Louise, bully Raymond in "Raymond's Run."

Expert Answers

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In "Raymond's Run," the narrator, Squeaky, is walking along Broadway with her brother Raymond when they encounter a group of three girls, the ringleader of which is Gretchen, Squeaky's rival. Gretchen is attended by Mary Louise, who was once Squeaky's friend, and a fat girl called Rosie.

Squeaky would like to avoid the other girls, particularly because she has Raymond with her. However, there is nowhere to go, and this fact leads to what Squeaky calls "one of those Dodge City scenes." The other girls begin by asking Squeaky if she intends to run in the May Day races, saying that she will not be likely to win this time if she does.

When this line does not lead to any results, the girls turn their attention to Raymond, asking him provocatively what grade he is in now. Squeaky defends her brother vigorously, and the three girls leave them and continue their walk down Broadway.

At this stage in the story, Squeaky is protective of Raymond and well used to defending him. However, she still sees her brother as a liability and the act of protecting him from bullying as a necessary chore. This contrasts with the end of the story, when Squeaky finally comes to see Raymond as a worthwhile person in his own right.

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