Part 1
In the novel, Green Grass Running Water, by Thomas King, there are many biblical and pop culture allusions contributing significantly to the plot of the novel. These allusions enhance the story by helping the reader understand the material and sometimes to provide comedic relief.

An example of a biblical allusion is the story of the Arch Angel Gabriel, and the miracle impregnation of Mary. In Thomas King’s version of the story, Thought Woman represents the Virgin Mary as AA Gabriel tries to trick Thought Woman into being pregnant. In the biblical story, Arch Angel Gabriel comes down to Earth and impregnates the Virgin Mary. This shows King’s witty and humorous approach to a very controversial issue in the Bible. It gives the readers a laugh and ties in something they may be familiar with in an otherwise difficult read. Thought Woman isn’t even aware of her pregnancy until AA Gabriel informs her in this quotation,
Here we are, says A. A. Gabriel, and that one opens that briefcase and takes out a book. Name? Thought Woman, says Thought Woman. Mary, says A. A. Gabriel. And he writes that down. Social Insurance Number? . . Sign here, says A.A. Gabriel… Virgin verification form, says A.A. Gabriel. Here’s a map of the city. We’re here, and this is where you’ll have the baby. . . We’re going to need a picture, says A.A. Gabriel. Could you stand there next to that snake? Snake? says Thought Woman. I don’t see a snake.” (p. 270)

A second biblical allusion is on page 235 where Babo is searching for the four Indians with Dr. Hovaugh, when she notices a bright star in the sky that is the Star of David. In the Bible, it leads the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. In the novel, it leads Babo and the Doctor to the Indians. This is a sneaky clue to the importance of the Indians and an understanding of what Babo, an old Indian woman sees that the Doctor does not. "In the distance, at the edge of the horizon, Babo could see a point of light, a star in the morning sky." (235).

A third allusion appears on page 236 when Babo notices a portrait behind the three men in the station at the Canadian border. The “woman in a formal with a tiara” represents Queen Elizabeth II, who is the current figurehead of the British monarchy. “A woman in a formal with a tiara.” (p. 236)


Another Biblical allusion is found on page 348 to 349. Coyote is listening to another story about Old Woman who is floating, and sees a young man walking on water looking for a fishing boat in rough seas. In the Bible, Jesus fed 5000 people, and sent his disciples out in a boat ahead of him, only to have to save them from the raging waters. However, King’s character, (Young Man Walking On Water) is unable to calm the seas to save the men. The Old Woman offers her help but is reminded of the “Christian Rules”. “The first rule is that no one can help me. The second rule is that no one can tell me anything. Third, no one is allowed to be in two places at once. Except me.” (P. 350). In other words, it is a man’s world and though she saves the men in the boat, the “Young Man” takes all the credit.

My final example of allusion in Green Grass Running Water takes place from page 316 to page 322 when famous Western actor John Wayne is referenced. This creates a pause from the crazy mystery and magic in the story where the reader can understand what is happening clearly. Every reader will recognize John Wayne and know he is supposed to win in the movie, so when he does not in the book, the reader knows something was changed. This helps contribute to the plot of the book because is shows a very real representation of Hollywood, which is necessary for the reader to fully believe that Charlie’s father Portland is actually a Hollywood star. If King replaced John Wayne with another no-name actor, the reader would not be so convinced that Portland was actually in a big Western.

Part 2
Eli Stands Alone
Eli sat down and waited for the coffee to brew and looked about the house at what he had become. Ph.D. in literature. Professor emeritus from the University of Toronto. A book on William Shakespeare. Another on Francis Bacon. Teacher of the Year. Twice. Indian. (p. 262)

In terms of modern day social status, Eli Stands Alone is among the top in his profession. There are very few people that make it to his level of achievement in society. He has all these impressive titles and milestones in his arguably successful life, yet there seems to be a deeper dissatisfaction. Later on, when Eli moves in to the native homeland, we realize that what Eli felt missing was his sense of identity. In other words, as an Indian, he felt more comfortable and felt like he belonged in the native homeland.

Lionel Red Dog
“Probably just a weird problem with the tape,” said Lionel, looking up and down the street. “It happens all the time with electronic stuff.” (P. 341)

This quote shows Lionel’s inability to notice what is going on around him. Even after he sees the Indians who were sitting beside him change the movie, he refuses to even consider the fact that the movie could be changed. Lionel does not have the initiative necessary to take action and correct the tape that has been switched. He makes a dumb excuse for pretending to not know what is going on and lets the mistake go unaddressed. He does not like to think outside the box or take risks, which leads him to have a calm, boring life.

Coyote
“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.”
“Anyway,” said Ishmael, “it’s Robinson Crusoe’s turn.”
“Maybe Coyote can turn on the light,” said Robinson Crusoe.
“Yes,” says Coyote. “I can do that.”
“Okay,” said Hawkeye. “Let’s get going.”
“Watch me,” says Coyote. “Watch me turn on the light.” (230)

This quotation describes coyote almost like an over-enthusiastic child who is overly eager to participate in any way possible. It shows how desperate Coyote is to be included in the telling of the story and to be a part of the group. He tries to give his opinion on everything when nobody trusts his thoughts or actions.