Runner Theme Essay

The novel, Runner, written by Robert Newton depicts a world of survival as its theme. Survival is when you are able to endure hardships and tolerate suffering. It is being resolute no matter what circumstances you are in. Proof of this is demonstrated in Runner through the financial destitution experienced by the Feehan family, Ma’s recovery from Mr. Peacock’s callous attack and finally, Charlie’s precarious job employed as Squizzy’s runner. All these factors about the life of the Feehans contribute to the topic of survival. Runner explores the theme of survival. This is indubitably evident when Mr Redmond alludes to the Feehans that “there’s no money in the purse.” (Pg. 2). The novel also informs readers that, in the winter months, “some families had no choice but to strip …show more content…
Peacock’s attack. After Mr. Peacock had physically punched Ma, her face was left bruised and swollen. Not only this, but she suffered from a mental condition which refrained her from living life normally. Without anyone to support her, Charlie has to become “the man of the house now” (Pg. 80) and needs to be strong to care for his Ma even though he is still a teenager. With the neighbours, Mr and Mrs Redmond supporting the Feehans, Ma takes a long journey with many hurdles and gradually recovers from this incident. Mrs Feehan is also afflicted by mental scars, resulting in the sickness of obsessive cleaning. However, despite the problems she is being faced with, she is able to heal and overcome them, demonstrating survival. This idea is made conspicuous when the author apprises that, for the life of those living “in the seedy streets of Richmond,” (Pg. 1) “living was the easy part. It was surviving that was the trick.” (Pg. 106). The quote proves that Runner is about survival as, even in the toughest times, the Feehans are able to overcome obstacles and endure hardships with the help of some valuable