The Red Runt Summary and Analysis

Dick has mixed feelings of aggravation and admiration towards the squirrel that occupies the same forest space with him. He names the squirrel "red runt." Dick admits that he invades the red runt's territory since it is there when he arrives. The red runt reminds him of that by his pesky and mischievous behavior. Dick compares the red runt to a neighbor he would like to get along with but attempts to do so just make the situation worse. The red runt seems to enjoy finding new ways to disrupt Dick's peaceful lifestyle.

For example, the red runt steals a roll of toilet paper from Dick's toilet to paper the trees like a high school prank. Dick generously shares his food with "camp robbers," magpies and other wild animals. He is happy to share blueberries with the...