The most important conflict in Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run” is the inner conflict experienced by the protagonist Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, who is known as Squeaky. As the story begins, Squeaky’s personality is defined as the fastest runner in her Brooklyn neighborhood, and as the reluctant caregiver for her disabled brother. She struggles with her interpersonal relationships with other girls and is often considered to be tough and standoffish. But, after her running experience at the annual May Day celebration, Squeaky has a change in her attitude. Her brother, Raymond, runs the race stride for stride with her, even though they are separated by a fence. She realizes that Raymond has potential to be a good runner if she takes the time to coach him. Also, during the race, the new girl in the neighborhood challenges her. After the race, they are able to genuinely smile at each other realizing that they have the ability share a mutual respect. Squeaky’s inner conflict is released.
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