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Character Analysis: Red Sky In Mourning

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Physically and emotionally exhausted from forty-one days alone at sea, Tami Oldham laid restless in bed and yearned for Richard, the sun, her mother, her home, and freedom from the burdens she now carried. Her unforgettable story in Red Sky in Mourning began on September 22, 1983 at the Papeete Harbor on Tahiti and continues on as she overcomes the trials caused by hurricane Raymond. Throughout Tami’s story of survival, the importance of determination, self control, and knowledge is clearly evident. Following her frightening awakening, Tami faced the difficult situation of cleaning and repairing the Hazana as well as attempting to signal for help. She raised a nine foot sail made from a spinnaker pole and the storm jib. Afterwards, Tami began cleaning the main cabin and the V-berth. She also spent laborious days discarding the mizzenmast, sails, and the mast’s foot overboard in order to protect and lighten the boat. During her journey, Tami signaled a total of three ships and a military plane using flares, smoke bombs, and a red shirt strapped to an oar. Despite these attempts and the use of her radio, she was unable to capture the attention of the plane and the first two ships. Through hard work and determination, she was able to fix the boat enough so that she could make her way to the nearest island, …show more content…

The importance of her understanding of navigation was prominent in this story as she uses a sextant and charts to determine her location and the course she needs to take in order to get to Hawaii. With her knowledge, she was able to determine her speed and how far away she was from the island. Tami’s extensive knowledge also enabled her to repair her boat, obtain fresh water, and utilize her resources. This allowed her to establish rations and ensure her own survival. Because of Tami’s knowledge, she was able to stay safe and healthy throughout her

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