The Loneliness of the Long-distance Runner Setting & Symbolism

The Loneliness of the Long-distance Runner Objects/Places

Borstalappears in The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner

Borstal is a boys' home for delinquents, and in that way functions more like a prison than a halfway house. Smith has been serving time for several months at the start of the story.

Borstal Blue Ribbon Prize Cup for Long-Distance Runningappears in The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner

This is the coveted prize the Governor wants Smith to win, and Smith agrees to train to try to win the prize. However, Smith decides well ahead of time to throw the race in order to defy the governor and the establishment.

The Draper's Shopappears in Mr. Raynor the School-Teacher

Mr. Raynor longingly gazes at the pretty girls working in the draper's shop through his classroom window. It becomes an unreachable place for Raynor, a sort of happiness he can only gaze upon rather than participate in.

The Fishing-Boat Pictureappears in The Fishing-Boat Picture

The Fishing-Boat Picture is the last of three paintings that have survived from Harry and Kathy's violent fights. They call it "the last of the fleet" and it comes to symbolize better times in their marriage. After...
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