Green Grass, Running Water
The novel Green Grass, Running Water is a multifaceted work of art in the literal sense. The plot circles around an Indian tribe i.e. the Blackfoots, while interweaving myths and the stereotypical attitude towards Native Americans into the macro picture. It takes an extremely sensitive topic and makes sense of it through a comical way. Through the book King raises a voice against the treatment of the Native culture and way of life at the hands of the 'white,' through humorous and witty settings, plots and dialogues. One can easily spot the shots that have taken against the government that went onto cheat the Natives in the name of friendship, the idea of religion, the social stigma that plagues the Natives and a whole lot more.
The discord created by Coyote is a very integral part of the novel. In the story Coyote is the Trickster, and along with him the four Indians namely Lone Ranger, Ishmael, Robin son Crusoe, and Hawkeye set their course towards the Blackfoot reservation so they can find things to 'fix' (133).
Coyote hiding among the Giant Ripples, West Bar of...
English: Anthropomorphic Coyote trickster, from No...
Green Grass, Running WaterWhen they come onto the reservation everything goes topsy-turvy. Through the re-telling of old Native American legends King puts things into a different perspective for the reader. On top of the Native legends one will be amused by the many references to biblical stories as well.
When it comes to the role of Coyote we know that he is one force that is present long before the world really exists. In the start where there was nothing but "just the water" even then the trickster was present, "but Coyote was asleep". This in itself can be taken as a testimonial for Coyote's strength and importance. Whenever Coyote enters the plot he manages to wreak havoc by influencing the events...