The Growth of Rayona in a Yellow Raft in Blue Water As the subject of the first section of Doris's novel, A Yellow Raft in Water blue, Rayona faces many problems that are unique to someone. his age. Ray's mixed race heritage makes her a target for discrimination on the reservation. The problems in her family life (or lack thereof) give Rayona a reverse role in which she is the mother who takes care of Christine. By facing these problems, Rayona learns a lot about herself and others. Due to the life Christine leads, the roles of mother and daughter are reversed and Rayona often finds herself looking out for her mother. When Ray comes home from school, she often learns that her mother is out partying. Times like this meant Rayona had to take care of herself. It's not uncommon to stay out late; but when it is the parent who does it, we must question the person's responsibility. When Christine leaves the hospital, Rayona shows up and helps prevent a potential disaster. She realizes what her mother is planning to do and that her mother will not crash the car with her in it. Although Christine is not very reliable, she also does not want to hurt Rayona; Ray's prediction was correct. As a child, Rayona has to fulfill more obligations than a normal teenager. As time progresses leading up to her abandonment, Rayona begins to feel distant from her mother. Christine's growing worry leads Rayona to feel like her mother is ignoring her, when that is not true at all. In any culture, people are proud of their heritage. However, when an individual from one group meets people from another group and the element of ignorance is added, the individual will be socially ostracized. Of mixed ancestry, Rayon......middle of paper......always easy to make. After being rejected a first time, then a second time, Ray feels that she has “a connection with a power she never knew existed (120)”. This event greatly strengthens Rayona's self-perception and moves her forward in life. As a teenager, Rayona goes through a confusing time in life. The gradual collapse of his family life imposes an additional burden on his conscience. With no other support, Rayona must find a way to deal with her difficulties. At first, she tries to avoid these obstacles in her life, by lying and not expressing her opinions. But by confronting them, she learns to feel better about herself and to understand others. Works Cited Gleick, Elizabeth. “An imperfect union.” News week. April 28, 1997: 68-69. Covert, Collin. “The Anguished Life of Michael Dorris.” Star Tribune. August 3, 1997: A1, A10-A13.