The Purple Blade of Grass

[Wuducynn]

This is something that is mentioned in The Gunslinger and The Wastelands (if I remember correctly) but after that, we never hear about it again. Any thoughts on what it was all about and why King never delved into it again?

[Storyslinger]

It was one of my favorite parts of the first book, but I think it was just a young, into drugs and drinking, King writing something into the plot to help the story. But, seeing as it made it into both versions of book one, it had to be somewhat important, so I don't understand why its never touched on again?

[Wuducynn]

It was also in Eddie's vision at the beginning of The Wastelands I believe..so there seems to be more to it like you said. It just seems to have been dropped.

[Storyslinger]

I remember now, wasn't the grass in the abandoned lot purple, but because of paint, too?

[Wuducynn]

I remember now, wasn't the grass in the abandoned lot purple, but because of paint, too?

Yeah, I forgot about that. Thats true..the mystery deepens.

[Mark]

I remember now, wasn't the grass in the abandoned lot purple, but because of paint, too?

Jake says (Or thinks it, i can't remember) that the purple paint was just camoflage(sic), so that you mightn't think it was weird. And I also agree with Brice the rose being The Tower itself.

[Wuducynn]

Jake says (Or thinks it, i can't remember) that the purple paint was just camoflage(sic), so that you mightn't think it was weird..

So what is the significance of the purple grass in the visions of Roland and Eddie and the paint on the grass around the Rose in the lot to you?

[Storyslinger]

Now I really want to know the deeper meaning behind this.

[Brice]

Well, I don't think it was really just dropped. I think it was no longer needed. The blade of grass was meant to illustrate size in the multiverse so Roland could further understand what he was delving into I think. Once told, Roland had the information and so did the reader. It was just background so you could understand the scope of things I think. And maybe that painted purple blade was the very same blade Roland himself saw.

[Wuducynn]

Well, I don't think it was really just dropped. I think it was no longer needed. The blade of grass was meant to illustrate size in the multiverse so Roland could further understand what he was delving into I think. Once told, Roland had the information and so did the reader. It was just background so you could understand the scope of things I think. And maybe that painted purple blade was the very same blade Roland himself saw.

Thats an interesting perspective, Brice. It just seemed an unresolved thing that seemed key towards the beginning of the series.

[Brice]

Well, I don't think it was really just dropped. I think it was no longer needed. The blade of grass was meant to illustrate size in the multiverse so Roland could further understand what he was delving into I think. Once told, Roland had the information and so did the reader. It was just background so you could understand the scope of things I think. And maybe that painted purple blade was the very same blade Roland himself saw.

Thats an interesting perspective, Brice. It just seemed an unresolved thing that seemed key towards the beginning of the series.

I don't think it's unresolved. I think it was foreshadowing some of what was to come. In fact for about twenty years that little blade of grass (and all that went with it in Walter's explanation/vision for Roland) has hung in my head.

[Wuducynn]

I don't think it's unresolved. I think it was foreshadowing some of what was to come. In fact for about twenty years that little blade of grass (and all that went with it in Walter's explanation/vision for Roland) has hung in my head.

So you think it was a foreshadowing of him finding The Rose in the lot, the Rose being the twin of the Dark Tower, and so also represents the multiverse it in its own way, and thats it?

[Brice]

I don't think it's unresolved. I think it was foreshadowing some of what was to come. In fact for about twenty years that little blade of grass (and all that went with it in Walter's explanation/vision for Roland) has hung in my head.

So you think it was a foreshadowing of him finding The Rose in the lot, the Rose being the twin of the Dark Tower, and so also represents the multiverse it in its own way, and thats it?

That's it? No! Maybe this will sound a bit crazy, but I think there are very calculated and intentional puzzles within the tale. One thing leading to another and back around again.

[jeotodoxy]

Very amusing idea

[Wuducynn]

I get the feeling that the Purple Blade of Grass is a concept that seemed to have fallen by the wayside as the years went by. Maybe we'll get some insight with the comic series?

[Storyslinger]

It may not have been needed anymore, Brice, after the first book, but it kept coming back. I agree with your reasoning, but I think that in the back of King's mind, there was more to this story than he was ready, or capable of telling.

[Storyslinger]

I know that I never forgot it. I even had a book mark that had Kings original afterword on that vision.

[Brice]

...and I don't think the rose was the tower's twin. I think it actually was the tower.

[Wuducynn]

...and I don't think the rose was the tower's twin. I think it actually was the tower.

Well, thats another topic.

[Brice]

...and I don't think the rose was the tower's twin. I think it actually was the tower.

Well, thats another topic.

Meh...it's all one topic really.

[Wuducynn]

...and I don't think the rose was the tower's twin. I think it actually was the tower.

Well, thats another topic.

Meh...it's all one topic really.

I see what you're saying.

[Wuducynn]

Ooooor you can just go ahead and keep it to yourself...

[sarah]

Well, I don't think it was really just dropped. I think it was no longer needed. The blade of grass was meant to illustrate size in the multiverse so Roland could further understand what he was delving into I think. Once told, Roland had the information and so did the reader. It was just background so you could understand the scope of things I think. And maybe that painted purple blade was the very same blade Roland himself saw.

Interesting point, Brice. I would have to agree with you. I do think the blade served its purpose. But in the back of my mind, I think that just maybe this is another one of those small but important things that got brushed aside.


darkthoughts:

I'm sure there were alot of things, like the purple blade of grass, that King had certain intentions for...but by the time he got around to writing the latter half of the series he'd either forgotten his original train of thought or simply decided to change it.

yes, exactly.

[Mark]

I believe, due to my belief of the rose being the tower, than it is to represent the field of roses, with a few baldes of grass around the rose, i dunno why it's purple though.

[Míchéal]

I just finished DoTT and i'm on the waste lands now and as far as i can see the purple blade of grass was to emphasise the multiverse (as stated above).