Ruth is dedicated to keeping him on the tracks, and seeing James learn about his mother's faith, makes him believe in his own. Which is why the inclusion of opposing parties, and understanding the ''wanted'' stereotypical protest wasn't so seemingly simple. Kids in the 10th grade need to understand that they have to find their own identity, their own protest. Artistry in literature is different in every novel, but the creativity Mcbride illustrates is something that all students need to understand. As an illustration, metaphors seemingly strewn about throughout the novel are intertwined to later reveal a correlation between the natural ebb and flow of life. The Color of Water was just the name of the novel, but as we read it became something more. Learning about James' ability to understand the world, he has many uncertainties but McBride's writing style enables us to understand the true identity of the title. The color of skin in the novel is such a heavily discussed topic that James asks his mother what color is Jesus. Ruth replies with "God is the color of water."