Raymond's Run: Character Analysis

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“No one can beat me and that's all there is to it,” declares Hazel Parker , the overly confident girl in Toni Cade Bambara's short story “Raymond's Run” (online). Hazel's character may easily be interpreted by some readers as pompous and aggressive, while other readers may view her as a strong young girl that beams maturity beyond her age. Hazel's age is determined by her nickname Squeaky. The nickname is given to her due her squeaky voice, which indicates she is approaching adolescence. The sympathetic reader realizes that her circumstances make her who she is, and that she does not display the selfish characteristics young adolescents typically do. Her maturity is the consequence of her being a poor black girl living in Harlem in the 1970s, who has to care for a mentally challenged brother. Bambara creates a character with a great maturity to demonstrate how human characteristics are a product of the harsh realities of life. Hazel displays an admirable maturity in her responsibilities in caring for her brother, her shameless pride in running, and her willingness to grow. Hazel is responsible for her brother's well-being by protecting him from bullies, from himself, and from discomforting people. “All I have to do in life is mind my brother Raymond, which is enough,” proclaims Hazel. The last part of the quote denotes that caring for her brother is not an easy responsibility, and requires a great deal of effort. Her responsibility comes with harsh consequences. If her brother soils his clothing and shoes from mud puddles, Hazel claims, “Then I get hit when I get home.” Her responsibility to take care of her brother is unique. Other girls her age are not typically burdened by taking care of a handicapped sibling, and most likely would not take well to the responsibility. She takes on the obligation of Raymond's safety without complaining or pitying
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