Forms and Functions of the Trickster Figure in Thomas King's Green Grass, Running Water

The most distinctive feature of the composition of the novel Green Grass, Running Water is the unusual and quite unique manner of narrating a story. The form of the Native American oral narration is intertwined with the literary form of expression; nevertheless, not throughout the entire book, but only in the dialogs, in which Coyote plays a role and in which the story about the Judeo-Christian postulation of the creation of the world is recounted through the angle of Native American mythology.

The oral form of narrating stories is more abundant than the written one with respect to conveying nuances in the feelings and interpretations of the story. It also resorts to repetitions and pauses that help the listener to understand and follow the narration. The structure of the narration is cyclic and does not draw a clear line between the realm of reality and mythology. The use of a compact and direct language is very important in creating this imagery and establishing a bond between the narrator and the listener. The role of a narrator is played only by the persons who have a specific knowledge about story telling conventions. If it is done by unskilled narrators, it can be dangerous and because of this fact, the four old Indians do not allow Coyote to tell a story in the novel.2

“Okay,” said the Lone Ranger. “Whose turn is it now?”

“Well, who went last?” said Ishmael.

“You did.”

“Then it’s Robinson Crusoe’s turn”.

“What about me?” says Coyote. “ I’d like a turn.”

“That doesn’t sound like a good idea,” said Hawkeye.

“No,” said Robinson Crusoe.” That sounds like a Coyote idea.”3

Whereas the oral form transforms a story by inserting or removing elements in the plot and the story differs as a consequence of this process from generation to generation and even from narrator to narrator, the written form has a solid form that remains consistent throughout time. When these two forms of expression are drawn together, they complement each other, but also collide.