Forced Into Adulthood In 'Runner'

'Charlie is forced into adulthood early through necessity; the choices he makes are purely selfless. ' Discuss.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Robert Newton’s coming-of-age novel, Runner, pertains to the drastic choices surrounding a child who is being forced into adulthood early through necessity. This aspect is explored through Charlie Feehan, the fifteen-year-old main protagonist living in the struggle town of Richmond, who is cast into early adulthood after the death of his father. During the course of the novel, it becomes clear that Charlie’s choices are purely selfless when they pertain to supporting his own family. Furthermore, it is evident that when they regard to financially aiding Alice Cornwall - Charlie’s

One such major demonstration of this, is evident when Charlie decides to allow Mr Redmond - his running coach and neighbour - to, “take whatever [he] need[s] from the winnin’s and see about a new set a teeth fer Mrs Redmond.” This is a significant depiction of a purely selfless choice made by Charlie, as he was willing to sacrifice his own arduous money, in order to help Mrs Redmond finally feel confident about both herself and her smile. On top of this, another clear depiction of one of the numerous entirely altruistic choices that Charlie makes, is evident when he decides to use his own hard-earned money to help support his best-friend Norman “Nostrils” Heath. Charlie does this through purchasing a timber yard with most of his remaining money, which he later renames, “The Heath and Feehan Timber company.” This is a significant demonstration of a purely selfless choice, as although Charlie himself solely payed for it, he was willing to make Nostrils an equal partner, even putting Nostrils’ name before his own. This is of great importance, as it allowed Nostrils to be supported financially for life. After being forced into adulthood early through necessity, Charlie’s choice of spending his winnings from the Ballarat Mile to help other members of the community, can certainly be considered entirely