RUNNING SHOES

AUTHOR: RICK BARRETT

THESIS

◼The story presents sexuality, toxic masculinity and AIDs.

SETTING

◼South portion of america most likely south

east (w/conservatives)
◼Sept/October- December
CHARACTERS
◼Father – Main POV, straight, lung cancer survivor,
helen’s husband, uncomfortable with son’s
homosexuality, former armed forces officer, divorced
and alcoholic.
◼Son – Gay, has AIDS, dead, had a childhood “friend”
named Nick, hinted to being gay since childhood,
artist.
CONFLICT

◼Man vs. Man

◼Man vs. Self
◼Man vs. Society
SYMBOLISM
◼ The arts - Todd's talent defies gender norms and shows the father's homophobia
◼ The name plaques (Todd and Nick) - signs of Todd's sexuality in early childhood.
◼ Sports and Math - shows Todd's disinterest with the “typically” masculine interest
further emphasizing on his homosexuality and also a lack of a common interest
between the characters.
◼ Todd's Illness pertaining to the blood - AIDS and the common notion that only
homosexuals have them
◼ “Tide” - the effects/symptoms of aids
◼ Running shoes - is the token symbol. It shows the father's love and concern over his
son. His hope that his son will be well enough to keep on running.
◼ “Holding“ - another word for showing affection