Question

feel all hot and weightless. I dream I’m flying over a sandy beach in the early morning sun, kissing the leaves of the trees as I fly by. And there’s always the smell of apples, just like in the country when I was little and used to think I was a choo-choo train, running through the fields of corn and chugging up the hill to the orchard. And all the time I’m dreaming this, I get lighter and lighter until I’m flying over the beach again, getting blown through the sky like a feather that weighs nothing at all.
Question
How does the setting in the excerpt of "Raymond's Run" affect Squeaky?
Responses

By imagining she is in a dream, Squeaky is able to calm her nerves before it is time for her to run.
By imagining she is in a dream, Squeaky is able to calm her nerves before it is time for her to run.

Answer 1

The setting in the excerpt affects Squeaky by providing a sense of freedom and weightlessness that contrasts with the pressure she feels in reality. Imagining herself flying over a sandy beach and reminiscing about her childhood allows her to escape from the stress and intensity of competition. This dreamlike state helps her feel lighter and more at ease, which can help calm her nerves before the race, allowing her to focus on her capabilities rather than her anxieties. The vivid imagery of flying and the comforting scents of her childhood contribute to this sense of tranquility, making it easier for her to face the upcoming challenge.