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What Are The Barriers In The Short Story Raymond's Run

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What Are The Barriers In The Short Story Raymond's Run
In T.C. Bambara’s short story, “Raymond’s Run,” the author shows how everybody has potential despite their barriers, abilities, and characteristics. To illustrate, during the May Day race, Squeaky saw Raymond running and thought to herself “that Raymond would make a very fine runner” (40). Raymond has hydrocephalus which makes him “not quite right” (34). By breaking down his barrier and running in the race, Raymond surprised his sister, Squeaky. Furthermore, Squeaky’s revival and competitor, Gretchen had some barriers as well. According to Squeaky, Gretchen’s “got short legs” and that “she’s also got freckles” (35). Gretchen may not have a disability like Raymond, but according to Squeaky, she is also in a situation where she had a drawback.

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