Reader Response: "Green Grass Running Water"

Reader Response: "Green Grass Running Water"
What in the world is happening right now? This question kept reoccurring to me on a regular basis. The novel "Green Grass Running Water" by Thomas King is incredibly unique and uses frequent symbolism and satire. King doesn't waste any time, he dives quickly into the plot by introducing numerous characters and concepts within the first section. King starts his novel with the statement, "So. In the beginning, there was nothing. Just the water" (1). The powerful line enticed my interest right away. He later went on to introduce the four Indian characters that would be essential in getting his message across throughout the remainder of the novel. The four Indians' names were ironic because they were not Indian names at all; they were distinct American names: Robinson Crusoe, Lone Ranger, Ishmael, and Hawkeye. One of the reasons why King chose to give the Indians American names is to show how many Native Americans lost their identities through American culture. The four Indians escaped from a hospital (which King neglects to tell why they were there in the first place) and began the mission of "fixing" the world. More characters are introduced as the novel moves along, some of which include Lionel, Norma, Alberta, Charlie, Babo, Dr. Hovaugh, Eli, Latisha, and many more. Each character has their struggle that they must overcome. The four Indians are present in some of the characters' stories but most of the times are telling the story of how the world began. They start to show up in the other characters' lives when Lionel and Norma spot them on the side of the road one evening. Ever so subtly the four Indians "fix" the lives of those who need it. It wasn't until the fourth section of the book when I realized how the Indians were "fixing" people and the pieces began to fall into place.

There are four parts to the novel, each of which introduces a different biblical story of creation. The "story" told by Coyote and the four other Indians is a collaboration of Native American ideals and the differences between the Christian perspective and that of Native American culture. I enjoyed the story of “Changing Woman" and "Noah" I found King's tone to be light yet serious at the same time. The way he told the story made me laugh and yet showed what fundamental differences there are between the Christian religion and Native American philosophy. Noah says to Changing Woman, “Why are you talking to animals? Says the little man. This is a Christian ship. Animals don't talk. We got rules" (160). It portrays the Christian religion as being strict and Native American philosophy to include animals. In addition, the story exposes the roles between males and females. Historically women have been given an inferior role; Noah degrades Changing Woman from the start. Noah immediately says, "Lemme see your breasts, says Noah. I like women with big breasts. I hope God remembered that" (160). Although I found this part to be comical, it blatantly shows King's opinion on the role of women in society and how sometimes they can be treated as objects rather than people. One powerful quote from the end of the Noah story is, “This is a Christian journey. And if you can't follow our Christian rules, then you're not wanted on the voyage" (163). King sends a very clear message that the Christian religion is dependent on rules and order.

Among the many characters in "Green Grass Running Water" I hold Eli to high esteem and enjoyed reading about his life the most. Eli was one of the characters who kept a level head throughout the book. I felt that his courageous battle with keeping his mother's home from being destroyed was noble and preserved the family's history. Although the majority of the characters succumbed to the influences that American society put on them, Eli never seemed to be swayed by the changing world around him. Eli is strong and King writes, “Eli had fought Duplessis from the beginning, producing a steady stream of injunctions that Dupessis countered" (127). I admire Eli for being stubborn and preserving his family's history, even if the dam may be financially benefiting for the tribe. It seems as if novel King's theme is having each character "fix" a part of their lives. One thing I never understood was why King chose to let Eli die in the end. Did he reach fulfillment in his life? What did Eli fix?

What is Thomas King trying to say? By the end of the novel the question seemed to be gaining importance. King includes many forms of symbolism that I had a hard time grasping. What is the significance of the three cars floating down the river? Why Latisha’s son is named Christian? Why did the Indians change the end of the Western? Why do the Indians steal the cars, and did they steal them? Why is there a puddle of water left behind every time a car disappears? Why does Coyote keep insisting that he made a mistake in the story? What is the significance of Bursum getting “The Map”?

Aside from the many questions I have about Thomas King’s intentions, I do know some things that seem to bother him. Politics are barely discussed in the novel however King makes it clear that even great political ideals can be skewed by society. Hawkeye and Coyote discuss democracies, “”In a democracy, everyone gets a turn, “says Coyote.” (365). Hawkeye replies, ""In a democracy, only people who can afford it get a turn”” (365). It is clear that King wants to show the importance that money has in our society. Another issue that King seems to be bothered by is family loyalty and heritage. He shows many of the characters “becoming white” and how it has a negative effect on the Indian tribe and family. King shows this when Norma says to Eli, ""You were born there before you went off and became white”” (122). She was referring to the home that Eli’s mother built and how Eli left the reservation for quite some time while Norma stayed with the family. There is a sort of bitterness to King’s writing and you can pick up on issues that he feels are important.

Coming from a family that has always practiced religion and has kept an open mind about many societal issues "Green Grass Running Water" did not offend me as much as I thought it would. I was expecting to be offended before I started reading based on what other people had told me, but I was surprised when Thomas King made me laugh about issues that others take very seriously. In many ways I have opened my mind up to new possibilities and how there is no right idea. I enjoyed Thomas King’s honest writing and strong messages.