A River Runs Through It Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Jessie's brother?

Neal

Who is described as an alcoholic and always in trouble?

Neal

Norman McLean

Old Rawhide

Paul McLean (correct)

What does the river symbolize?

Life's metaphorical course.

What religious aspect is prominent in the novel?

The Presbyterian prominence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about Paul's beauty express?

My father always felt shy when compelled to praise one of his family, and his family always felt shy when he praised them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul's addiction symbolize?

The dangers and painful results of addiction. Signup and view all the answers

How is Norman's fishing approach different from Paul's?

Norman is meticulous with his flies, while Paul uses fewer flies. Signup and view all the answers

What does fly fishing represent for Norman?

A way to release frustration. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author capture when describing the river mirages?

Patterns from his own life joining with them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about symbolic meaning express?

I also became the river by knowing how it was made. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jessie in relation to Norman?

Norman's wife. Signup and view all the answers

What is the full name of Norman's wife?

Jessie Burns. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Old Rawhide during the fishing trip?

He gets very burnt after falling asleep in the sun. Signup and view all the answers

What is Neal's relation to Norman?

Brother-in-law. Signup and view all the answers

What was the occupation of Norman and Paul's father?

Presbyterian minister. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist and narrator of the story?

Norman McLean. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Norman's brother?

Paul. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Norman born?

Iowa. Signup and view all the answers

What theme does the quote 'Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it' express?

The unity of life and nature. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Norman work during World War I?

Montana for the United States Forest Service. Signup and view all the answers

What is Norman's feeling after Paul's death?

I am haunted by waters. Signup and view all the answers

When does Paul first show his stubbornness?

When he refuses to eat his oatmeal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

Montana (Helena/Missoula/Wolf Creek). Signup and view all the answers

Which characters are foils to each other?

Neal and Paul. Signup and view all the answers

What were Paul's addictions?

Gambling and drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Maclean brothers value?

Being on time for work and fishing. Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul die?

Hit hard on the head by the butt of a revolver and then dumped in a ditch. Signup and view all the answers

Who blames themselves for Paul's death?

Norman. Signup and view all the answers

What does the right hand symbolize?

Paul's mask. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Norman McLean is the protagonist and narrator of the story, deeply explores familial bonds and personal struggles.
Paul McLean, Norman's brother, struggles with alcoholism and gambling, facing dire consequences due to his addictions.
Neal, Norman's brother-in-law, exemplifies irresponsibility, having a drinking problem and often landing in trouble.
Jessie, Norman's wife, attempts to help Neal by encouraging family fishing trips.

Themes and Symbols

The river symbolizes life's journey, depicting the twists and turns of personal experiences; Maclean articulates this metaphor through detailed descriptions of rivers and fish.
Scripture and religion play an essential role, represented by the father's constant recitation of the New Testament, symbolizing the power of storytelling and meaning-making.
Addiction serves as a critical theme, illustrated by Paul's tragic demise due to his vices despite Norman's efforts to assist him.
Flies represent skills and resources; Norman's meticulous approach contrasts with Paul's minimalistic style, reflecting differing life philosophies.

Notable Quotes

A poignant expression of familial pride is captured in the observation about shyness felt during praise.
The notion of oneness with nature is illustrated when the author states, "I also became the river by knowing how it was made."
The weight of regret post-Paul's death is captured in the haunting line, "I am haunted by waters."

Setting and Context

Set primarily in Montana, encompassing areas like Helena, Missoula, and Wolf Creek, the narrative intertwines the beauty of nature with personal storytelling.
Norman worked in Montana for the United States Forest Service during WW1, offering a backdrop for his character development.

Character Dynamics

Neal and Paul serve as foils, with Neal embodying a carefree demeanor while Paul’s struggles lead to destruction.
The Maclean brothers prioritize punctuality and their passion for fishing, central to their identities.
Norman feels guilty for Paul's tragic fate, believing he could have intervened effectively.

Plot Elements

Paul's stubbornness emerges early on as he refuses to eat oatmeal, foreshadowing his continual defiance against authority.
The narrative includes an incident where Old Rawhide, a family friend, experiences extreme sunburn during a fishing trip, adding a layer of comedic relief.

Paul’s Tragic End

Paul’s death is brutal, involving an assault that highlights the extreme dangers tied to his lifestyle and choices.
Norman's lifelong burden of guilt stems from feeling inadequate in preventing Paul's demise.

Paul and Norman's Struggles

Paul's character arc demonstrates a relentless battle with addiction, ultimately leading to his untimely death resulting from violent circumstances.
The stark contrast in their fishing approaches signifies broader lessons about resourcefulness, personal agency, and life choices.

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Description

Test your knowledge of characters and symbolism in 'A River Runs Through It'. This quiz will cover key definitions and roles of characters like Neal and Paul McLean, as well as the representation of the river within the story. Perfect for students or fans of the book looking to deepen their understanding.