In “Raymond’s Run,” Toni Cade Bambara exposes a number of Squeaky’s character traits during her encounter with Gretchen and her “sidekicks.” As Squeaky and her brother walk down Broadway, they walk close to the buildings, which keeps Raymond’s behavior under control.
When Squeaky sees Gretchen and her girl group approaching, she has to decide whether to face them, or to step into a store for a few minutes. True to Squeaky’s feisty spirit, she chooses to engage in banter with them. Gretchen’s friends ask facetious questions about the race and about Raymond. Squeaky’s motherly instincts toward her brother are exposed. She calls the other girls names and threatens them. When it comes to Gretchen, the two girls silently give each the once over. Gretchen gives Squeaky a false smile before the girls walk away. There is a glimmer of respect between the two, and they make an unconscious decision to let the race decide their relationship.
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