A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Yellow Raft in Blue Water" is a novel that intricately explores the lives of its major characters, focusing on their interwoven relationships and struggles. At the center is Rayona Taylor, a biracial teenager grappling with her identity and the challenges posed by her alcoholic mother, Christine George Taylor. Christine's tumultuous life, marked by feelings of inadequacy and the weight of family expectations, unfolds alongside her complex relationship with her half-sister Ida George, who has played a significant role in raising her.
The narrative also delves into the impact of the Vietnam War on the family, particularly through Lee George, Christine's foster brother, whose tragic death affects everyone deeply. Supporting characters like Dayton Nichols and the nurturing figures Evelyn and Sky provide additional layers to the story, showcasing themes of love, resilience, and the search for belonging. This multi-generational tale reflects the broader cultural experiences of American Indian and biracial identities, creating a rich tapestry of human experience and emotional depth. Readers can expect to engage with the characters' profound journeys of self-discovery and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.
A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Michael Dorris
First published: 1987
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Pacific Northwest
Plot: Family
Time: Late 1980's
Rayona Taylor, the fifteen-year-old daughter of American Indian Christine George Taylor and African American Elgin Taylor. After Rayona's parents separate, she is brought up by her alcoholic mother. When Christine becomes seriously ill as a result of her drinking, she is committed to a detoxification ward. Rayona helps her to escape, and they drive to the Montana reservation where Christine was reared. When they arrive, Christine deserts Rayona and leaves her with Ida. Father Tom, a young Catholic priest new to the reservation, recruits Rayona into a parish youth group known as the “God Squad.” He invites her to a weekend youth rally in Helena, and on the way they stop for a swim in Bearpaw Lake. Tom feigns drowning. Rayona rescues him and drags him onto a yellow raft in the middle of the lake. He makes sexual advances toward her and blames her for his actions. Appalled at his own behavior, Tom deserts Rayona, and she finds herself homeless and alone. She wanders into Bearpaw State Park and meets Sky and Evelyn. She stays with them during the summer and works on the maintenance crew at the park. At the end of the season, Evelyn and Sky drive Rayona back to the reservation to find Christine. They arrive on the day of the annual rodeo. Rayona meets her cousin, Foxy Cree. He is scheduled to ride but is too drunk. He convinces Rayona to impersonate him and ride in his place. Rayona accepts the challenge and rides Dayton Nichols' feisty horse, Babe. She is thrown three times but refuses to admit defeat and re-mounts. Her determination and courage win the admiration of the crowd, and the judges award her a prize. When she steps to the podium to accept, she reveals her true identity. Evelyn and Sky leave her in the care of Dayton, who takes her home to be reunited with Christine.
Christine George Taylor, Rayona's mother and the supposed daughter of Ida. Feeling unloved by Ida, craving attention, and living in the shadow of her talented brother Lee, Christine turns to men and alcohol for solace in her teenage years. Although she admires Lee, she is intimidated by him. She realizes that his reputation as an up-and-coming member of the Indian community enhances her own social position. When Lee and Dayton protest against the Vietnam War draft, Christine believes that Lee's reputation will be damaged, thereby diminishing her own social status; she convinces him to join the service. Later, Christine moves to Seattle, meets Elgin Taylor, becomes pregnant by him, and marries him. After a rocky marriage of fifteen years, Elgin leaves Christine for the last time while she is in the hospital recovering from her latest binge. Sick, hurt, and afraid, Christine drives to the Montana reservation with Rayona and leaves her with Ida. Still unwelcome at Ida's home, she moves in with Dayton.
Ida George, the mother of Lee and foster mother of Christine. Although Ida is thought to be Christine's mother and Rayona's grandmother, she actually is Christine's half-sister and cousin. When Ida's aunt Clara (her mother's sister) became pregnant by Ida's father, the family agreed to conceal the scandal by claiming that Ida was the one who was pregnant. Ida accompanied Clara, who posed as Ida's guardian, to a Catholic home for unwed mothers in Denver. After giving birth, Clara remained in Denver and Ida returned to the reservation with Christine and reared her as her own child. After the death of her parents several years later, Ida lived for a short time with disabled Korean War veteran Willard Pretty Dog, Lee's father. Ida and he separated, and she refused to acknowledge him or anyone else as Lee's father. Ida reared Lee and Christine as brother and sister, never revealing to them the truth about their parentage.
Lee George, Christine's foster brother and cousin. An accomplished rodeo rider and performer of traditional Indian dances, he is well thought of on the reservation and is expected to be a strong tribal leader. He is killed in the Vietnam War and is given a hero's burial.
Dayton Nichols, Lee's best friend. Christine, envious of his friendship with Lee, tries to seduce Dayton as a means of breaking up their relationship. He rebuffs her, and she resents him even more. Years later, after Lee's death, her illness and their common memories of Lee heal and bring them together.
Evelyn and Sky, Rayona's surrogate parents when she works at Bearpaw State Park. Their home is the first stable environment she has known.
Father Hurlbert, a Catholic priest who becomes Ida's best friend and only confidant.