When we are truly confident and secure, the opinions of others can not control us” ~Joyce Meyer (a-zquotes.com). People who are confident in themselves will not be affected by others who are people's opinion. This relates to Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker (nicknamed: Squeaky) who is the main character in the story “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara. Squeaky has a huge passion for running. But she soon encounters the new girl, Gretchen, and Gretchen soon becomes a running threat to Hazel. But Squeaky does not let a threat stop her from what she loves doing most: running. Squeaky is an average girl who loves to run. But there are many things that hold her back. For example, her mother does not think Squeaky is girly enough and she also does not meet her mother's expectations. She also has to defend Raymond, her older brother with “difficulties” to look over. She does not have any friends because…show more content… Squeaky is now doing her breathing exercises while strolling down 34th Street with her brother, Raymond. Then she bumps into Gretchen and her gang, Rosie and Mary Louise. They get into an argument about Squeaky always winning the race. A quote that reflects confidence is:
“‘I always win cause I’m the best.’ I say straight to Gretchen, who is as far as I am concerned the only one talking in this ventriloquist dummy routine.”
This quote reflects that Squeaky is confident in herself, though she may be over-confident. She wants to boost her confidence. However, she was overcompensating a little by being extra sassy because she seems a little insecure because of the new competition in town, which is Gretchen. She acts sassy to hide her insecurities about winning the race. The more confident Squeaky is in in herself, the more positive or confident she will be about winning the race against Gretchen, her main competitor. Since she won every May Day Race, she can not make a record of losing
