The first line of any work of literature is important. It sets the tone for the story. It is important in catching the reader’s attention. Most importantly, it affects the reader’s impression of the characters and the plot. In A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, the first line of each section tells us a great deal about each of the women. As we read on in each story, we learn how it relates …showed first 75 words of 898 total…

…showed last 75 words of 898 total…to mature early. In many ways, this sentence describes all three women. They all were given the responsibilities of life before they were prepared to deal with them. As the mother and grandmother (this role), Ida passes on her strength as well as her troubles. If we look closely, we see that each of the first sentences has more than just the literal meaning. Each one gives us insight into the lives of the characters.