What two names are used to identify the main character in "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara? Why was she given these names? And, why do you...

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” the main character is initially identified as Squeaky. She receives this nickname from people in her neighborhood because she has a high pitched voice. Although she is small in stature with a distinctive voice, she is tough as nails.

I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky.

Squeaky’s given name is Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker. She uses this name when she checks in for the May Day race. Her given name is a matter of pride for Hazel. When Mr. Pearson attempts to call her Squeaky, she reminds him to use her real name.

“Well, Squeaky,” he says, checking my name off the list and handing me number seven and two pins. And I’m thinking he’s got no right to call me Squeaky, if I can’t call him Beanstalk.

“Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker,” I correct him and tell him to write it down on his board.

“Well, Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, going to give someone else a break this year?” I squint at him real hard to see if he is seriously thinking I should lose the race on purpose just to give someone else a break.

She is planning to win the race and knows her name will be announced, which it is when she is declared the winner.

But of course everyone thinks I’m jumping up and down because the men on the loudspeaker have finally gotten themselves together and compared notes and are announcing “In first place—Miss Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker.” (Dig that.)

At this point she has an epiphany about her running career, and that of her brother Raymond. The name is symbolic of her growth from a spunky young girl who is willing to fight, to an introspective girl who sees her future in a new light. The long, stately name fits her positive new outlook.

Squeaky demonstrates her self-confidence in a number of ways throughout the story. In the beginning, her self-confidence is identified when she describes her toughness, her willingness to fight her principles, and her defense of her brother, Raymond. Later, in the story, prior to the race, she lets the starter know that she will not throw the race because she plans on winning. As the story comes to its conclusion, Hazel exhibits a new confidence when she gives Gretchen a genuine, woman-to-woman smile. The girls, who were arch enemies, find common ground with their running talents, but Hazel no longer feels the need to prove she is the best.