In Yellow Raft in Blue Water, by Michael Dorris

Essay by tastiefreak16High School, 11th gradeA+, November 2002

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thesis:In Yellow Raft in Blue Water, by Michael Dorris, Christine and Rayona shared journeys of self-expression through roads and methods that contrasted sharply, but both managed to reach the same plane of understanding in the end.

Traveling is a mean of self-expression of where one would like to be in life. The roads, vehicles, and attitudes on the road can give insight to a character's real thoughts, and more importantly, a look at their own personal journey of self discovery. In Yellow Raft in Blue Water, by Michael Dorris, Christine and Rayona shared journeys of self-expression through roads and methods that contrasted sharply, but both managed to reach the same plane of understanding in the end.

Rayona had never been able to lead a steady life style. Constantly moving around from school to school and seeing her mother move from boyfriend to boyfriend has left her in need of a place to settle down.

"I try and imagine what it would be like to settle in one of those places we drive through (27)." Such images of happiness leave Rayona in need to be in control. On the road for herself, she knows she can make wiser decisions. "I imagine that Mom and Dad are gulls ant that I am driving. I surprise them by gunning the engine and driving faster than they expected... Their eyes glint, betrayed, scared shitless (42)." She only wishes to [pay her parents back for not fulfilling their roles, but she instead learns to live with this void in her life. On the unpredictable road trips with her mother, Rayona never knew what she was headed for and was forced into her mother's reckless driving and lifestyle. "[Rayona] was prepared for a crash, and her eyes reflected streetlights whenever I glanced at her...