What Makes Smith Run?

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What makes Smith run???

The theme of honesty is widely developed in “The Loneliness of the Long Distant Runner,” in which Smith tells us what honesty means according to him, and according to the governor. To be honest is interpreted by the governor as the easiest and most common way to win the race, to get out of the jail, and to have a family. Smith’s sense of honesty therefore must be seen as individuality; to be in charge of ones self and free of “the system” creates an honest man, a human individual. The governor’s interpretation shows honesty as conformity. Conforming to societies’ mandate horribly clashes with Smith’s powerful sense of freedom and inner strength.
“The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” carefully and cunningly depicts English rule as a weak, fraudulent, imposing system that cripples individuality. Smith’s acts of recklessness cannot be seen as crude behavior, but rather as acts of freedom and non-conformity. Throughout the story Smith tries to find himself and grasp a better understanding of life and it’s many questions by laughing at the law and running from it’s reaching arms.
Smith is forced to run by the governor at Borstal as part of his punishment for his crimes as a juvenile. He does not enjoy running except for the sanctity that it provides. The nature and beauty surrounding him while he runs is what appeals to him. Nature is not governed by man’s laws and in this sense is honest, true, and free. This appeals to Smith because he wants to...

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