A False Father Figure: Charlie and Squizzy's Situation in Runner Anonymous 8th Grade

In the novel Runner by Robert Newton, it becomes highly noticeable that Charlie Feehan had strong faith in Squizzy Taylor as a possible mentor, as Charlie had lost his father at a very young age. However, Charlie promptly came to the realisation that he was inaccurate in his assumption. Firstly, we are introduced to the state that Charlie’s father had passed away and the family were confronting a difficult financial period, living in the slums of Richmond with no income. The protagonist gains excellent fortune, when he receives a job working for Squizzy Taylor. Charlie assumed that he would be a new father figure for him and lead him to a better life for his family, as Charlie was still a young boy who wanted to try and be a man. Charlie admired Squizzy for always being there to protect him and he also gave him power, when Charlie knew that he had his back. Nevertheless, Squizzy grasped that he was misguided in thinking that Squizzy was loyal and compassionate, through hardships, where his true colours unfolded and his nasty side came out. This novel shows the hope Charlie keeps hold of, which helps him persist on performing wise actions, with a mentor he had strong faith in and the discovery of Squizzy’s true identity, which...