Raymonds Run by Toni Cade Bambara Holt Literature

“Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara Holt Literature p. 38

Raymond’s Run is set in Harlem during the 1970 s.

“Raymond’s Run” – Build Background Information • Squeaky’s brother has a condition called hydrocephalus. • The symptoms of this disorder include a swelling of the head caused by too much fluid collecting in the skull. • Sometimes the excess fluid damages the brain. • Hydrocephalus may be caused by an infection, a tumor, a major head injury, or a malformation of the brain before birth. • It is fairly rare and only affects 1 out of 1000 children.

Allusion to Mercury was a swift messenger to the gods in Roman mythology. Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic 80. It is also known as quicksilver. It is the only metal in liquid form; it is silver in color.

Allusion to “Dodge City” Dodge City is town in southwestern Kansas on the Arkansas River, formerly a rowdy cow town. The expression “get out of Dodge” means to leave before trouble starts. It is an allusion to the Wild West gun fight often shown in Westerns.

Plot • exposition- introduces the setting and the characters; reveals the conflict or set the stage for it. • rising action – introduces complications in the conflict; builds suspense (‘the plot thickens”) • climax – turning point in the story; the conflict at its most intense and dramatic; can also be the protagonist making a decision • falling action – reveals the outcome of the story’s climax • resolution – the story’s final outcome; ties up any loose ends • exposition – introduces Squeaky and Raymond; establishes her as a runner • rising action – the encounter on the street with Gretchen and the other girls; the race; the wait for the winner to be announced • climax – Squeaky decides she doesn’t care if she wins or not; realizes Raymond can be a good runner; she sees her brother in a new light • falling action – Squeaky wins the race; she plans to coach Raymond • resolution – Squeaky and Gretchen smile “real smiles” at each other

Informal Diction • the diction of everyday language • relaxed and conversational • use of common and simple words • includes use of contractions • may include colloquial expressions and idioms • may include the use of slang