What are the motifs in The Raft by John Pepper Clark?

Independence is a recurring idea in the story. Much of The Raft deals with Robie’s independence, and this theme can be traced throughout the novel. At fifteen, Robie is pushing boundaries in an effort to gain more independence. The novel opens with her getting her nose pierced without parental consent. She has managed to convince AJ to sign the permission slip with the condition that Robie will have to deal with the parental fallout.