Literary Elements In Raymond's Run

Elements of literature are vital for all short stories because they help the reader to fully understand the characters and overall plot line. Two stories in particular that demonstrate the use of these elements are “Ashes” and “Raymond's Run.” “Ashes” by Susan Beth Pfeffer is about Ashes’ divorced parents and how she balances their relationships. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is about Squeaky’s running skills and how she looks down at her disabled brother. In both “Ashes” and “Raymond’s Run”, the elements of literature are used to help the reader understand the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, especially about members of their families. The use of literary elements such as point of view, character development, and conflict ultimately

Ashes is largely appreciative towards her father, which the reader knows because she is reflecting on the times that she saw him. “That winter, it felt like every time I saw my father, the sun cast off just a little more warmth than it had the day before,” (Pfeffer 1). The reader knows how Ashes feels about her father because it is in a first person perspective. This is important for understanding her change in opinion towards her father towards the end. Squeaky thinks about her consistent winnings in running. “There is no track meet that I don’t win the first-place medal,” (Bambara 1). Squeaky is thinking about herself and thinking that she is unbeatable. She thinks highly of herself, a mindset she will need to break down in the end. The fact that both stories are written in first person is crucial to the reader in their understanding of the

The conflict in Ashes is that Ashes wants to keep both of her divorced parents happy when they constantly fight. “‘I’m a dreamer’, he said to me more than once… Mom said ‘He’s an irresponsible bum’,”(Pfeffer 1). Ashes’ parents are constantly fighting, mostly over her. This is tearing apart Ashes, as she constantly has to pick a side. This is highlighted at the end where she has to choose whether to support her father by stealing from her mother, or to decide not to and put her father in a very difficult situation. This conflict is never resolved. The conflict in Raymond’s Run is that Squeaky thinks too much about herself and underestimates others, like her brother. “I never walk if I can trot, and shame on Raymond if he can’t keep up. But of course he does,” (Bambara 2). Squeaky views her running as something only for her, and doesn’t acknowledge that her brother has equally good running skills, as he can keep up. Compare this with a quote after the conflict has been resolved, “Raymond would make a very fine runner. Doesn’t he always keep up with me on my trots?” (Bambara 6). Squeaky realized her brother’s potential, but she needed to stop focusing on herself first. This is different from Ashes because the conflict is ultimately