Green Grass Running Water Part 3/4 Blogger

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Green Grass Running Water Part 3/4
By Colin Stitt


In the novel of Green Grass Running Water there were lot’s of examples of biblical allusion. Each of these examples contributes in some way to pop culture, as well as the story itself.




“ a star settled on the horizon and waited”
“ a point of light, a star in the morning sky” (235)

These quotes have a large significance in popular culture because that is a very familiar story that people can relate to Christianity, and a every day occurrence for a huge portion of the world. These quotes have significance to the story of Green Grass Running Water because the star settled on the horizon and the star in the morning star were all signs of them being able to enter Canada and finally visit the “Indians” they sought to find.


“Maybe it’s and omen,” said Babo. “ Or something like that.” (238)

This quote shows how popular culture can be portrayed with quick thinking and always wondering if it’s the next big thing, because most of the popular culture is not happy with themselves and what their life is. And because of that an omen or a second coming of some sort is what lots of people like to jump to. This quote also contributes to the novel because it shows, when a word like that is said it even catches coyote’s attention.

“ What they thought to be omens,”
“ Were actually miracles.” (238)

These Quotes are a little quirky in that these two quotes are a little contradictory with popular culture and the assistance to this book. The popular culture of omen’s can be interpreted differently from culture to culture. So to say that this omen could have a positive of negative effect, was based on your religious beliefs. But for the novel these quotes offer a fair and neutral interaction with the omen/miracle because they have no real sides to religious beliefs, besides the occasional context racial or religious joke.




These passages all have something in common, which is that they reveal something that contributes to the readers understanding of that character.




“ Those were the good days, nephew. Everything was new. There weren’t enough hours in the day to see everything. I’d always lived on the reserve. When I got to Toronto, well, I’d never seen anything like it.” (361)

This passage of encouragement and kindness from Eli to Lionel, shows how moving from the reserve to the big city can really change, and affect someone’s life. This also tells the readers that Eli is very insightful in what he says and he has lots of good advice to give. As well as moving from a small town to a major international city can really change people lives in a good way, and also a risky way if not handled properly.

“ Today,” he shouted at the mirror.
“ Today things change.” And he whacked himself in the stomach and grabbed his saggy chest for good measure. He stood there naked, glaring into the mirror, pleased with the fire that burned in his eyes. Just above his left nipple, Lionel spotted the mole with single long hair growing out of it
All right! (240)

This passage that Lionel has when he is speaking to himself in the mirror tells the readers a lot about him as a character and how he sees life from his point of view. The fact that Lionel is needing to encourage his body is one thing, when people feel their getting older. And this passage really shows the readers how small things are sometimes things you remember the most, and you should take advantage of the small things to encourage you for who you are.

“Okay,” I says. “Let’s get started.”
“Is it time to apologize?” says Coyote.
“Not yet,” I says
“Is it time to be helpful?” says Coyote. “I can be very helpful.”
“Forget being helpful,” I says. “Sit down and listen.” (229)

This conversation and short passage from Coyote reveals lot’s of things that the readers can relate to earlier, and later on in the novel. When Coyote asks the Dream if he should be helpful points out that he is immature, and has very limited social skills. As well the fact that Coyote says he can be very helpful when he needs to be instead of in every day situations, instead of irritating, and annoying people, and never silent or still. Finally at the end of the short conversation the dream tells Coyote to sit down and listen, and that becomes even more relevant how much of an obstacle that is for Coyote throughout the novel.

English Essay Green Grass Running Water

By Colin Stitt

Green Grass Running Water shows the effectiveness of humour in this section of the Novel known as First Woman/Lone Ranger. The novel is extensive with humour and satire, particularly regarding Judeo Christian beliefs as well as western government and society.


Coyote is presented as what is known as the narrator or the unknown character. Through out the beginning of the novel he presents himself within his own dream. The dream thinks it is very smart and tells coyote that it is God. Instead Coyote uses humour to change everything backward, and change his name to Dog. As well as everything else “Dog” had to say. Coyote also makes funny quotes during the dream and in life.
“Was it like that wonderful, misty water in California”. “With all those friendly bubbles and interesting stuff that falls to the bottom of your glass” Pg. 104
“Was it like that lovely red water in Oklahoma, says Coyote, “with all those friendly bubbles and interesting stuff that floats to the top of your glass?” pg. 104


The dream preserves its spot in the novel as most of the funniest and interesting quotes and stories throughout the novel. It tries to tell important and at the same time humourous stories. But every time he tries to get through an entire story, Coyote or someone else cracks a joke or ruins the moment for (The Dream a.k.a Dog.) He shows the governmental and western ideologies are taking over from Native culture and civilization


These are the reasons why Green Grass Running Water shows the effectiveness of humour in this section of the novel known as First Woman/Lone Ranger. The novel is filled with humour and satire, especially with Judeo Christian beliefs and western government and society.