a river runs through it by norman maclean

Norman ends up catching a big fish and even Paul is impressed by it and after that he goes upstream where he fishes using a technique invented by him. The two start fishing and it becomes clear that Norman is not as skilled as Paul is but despite this he doesn’t lose hope. While fishing, Paul tells Norman that he crashed his car not too long ago after he went fishing and drank too much. Paul and Norman decide to go fishing on their own before that on the Big Blackfoot. After hearing this, Paul agrees to take Neal fishing on a small stream the next day and Norman buys them to drink. Norman tells Paul that he has been praised by Florence who hoped that Paul would take Neal fishing. Paul works as a reporter and he took the habit of drinking too much and too early, something Norman disapproves of. Paul is not happy to hear this since he considers that everyone who lives in a different area is not good at fishing. One day, Norman goes and visits his brother to tell him that his brother in law, Neal, will come into town and wants to go fishing. Norman is already married and he moved with his wife while Paul found a job as a reporter and moved from his hometown to Helena. The second part of the story takes place in 1937. The two boys were quite violent in their childhood and obsessed with the idea of fighting but they still cared a lot about one another and their parents. Paul is more stubborn that Norman and he asserts his desires and will better than Norman. Paul dreams of one day working as a reporter and remains in Montana and continue to fish just like he did in his childhood.

When the boys are older, they each get a job, Norman working as a lumberjack and Paul working as a lifeguard at a pool. Paul continues to fish even when he grows up and he remains close to home. Paul was also more independent than Norman and never asked for help from no one. Norman’s younger brother, Paul, is more gifted at fishing than Norman is and their father noticed the obsession Paul had for fishing from a young age. Norman notes that while fly fishing may not be complicated, it does imply a level of grace and control.įly-fishing is associated here with rhythm and Norman points out that there is a certain rhythm someone has to follow to fly-fish correctly. Then, they would spend a long time fishing and talking about grace and beauty in the world. Norman’s father treated fishing just like one would treat religion and Norman remembers the times he spent at church on Sundays. The main chapter and narrator begin the story by talking about two important elements for his family: fishing and religion. Written by Micola Magdalena and other people who wish to remain anonymous We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

A river runs through it by norman maclean