What are the contrasts/contradictions in "Raymond's Run"?

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run” there are a number of examples of contrast/contradiction. As a reader, you notice contrast/contradiction when a character says or does something that is out of the ordinary when compared to what the character did earlier in the story. When a reader realizes this is occurring, it signals a change, after which inferences about the character or situation can be formed.

One contrast/contradiction evident in “Raymond’s Run” is the change in Squeaky’s feelings towards Gretchen from the beginning of the story to its end. Prior to the May Day race, Gretchen is Squeaky’s adversary. The girls show their disdain for one another when they meet on Broadway. Squeaky does not pay attention to the other girls, but directs her comments to Gretchen when she is taunted about losing the race.

“I always win cause I’m the best,” I say straight at Gretchen who is, as far as I’m concerned, the only one talking in this ventriloquist-dummy routine. Gretchen smiles, but it’s not a smile, and I’m thinking that girls never really smile at each other because they don’t know how and don’t want to know how and there’s probably no one to teach us how, cause grown-up girls don’t know either.

At the conclusion of the story, when Gretchen comes in a close second, Squeaky changes her mind and shows new respect for Gretchen. They exchange a “real” smile that demonstrates their newfound admiration for one other.

And I look over at Gretchen wondering what the “P” stands for. And I smile. Cause she’s good, no doubt about it. Maybe she’d like to help me coach Raymond; she obviously is serious about running, as any fool can see. And she nods to congratulate me and then she smiles. And I smile. We stand there with this big smile of respect between us.

Another contrast/contradiction in the story is Squeaky’s attitude about her disabled brother. At the beginning of the story, she views her responsibility for his care as her “job” in the family. Everywhere she goes, Raymond tags along. Sometimes he is a bit difficult, but Squeaky fiercely defends him against the neighborhood children when they make rude remarks about his abilities. Although she supports him, she does not see his potential until the end of the story when he matches her run stride for stride.

Squeaky finds new respect for both Gretchen and Raymond, which contrasts with or contradicts her feelings for them at the beginning of the story. Perhaps she settles some of her inner contradictions in the process.