Early Release: Discuss “River Runs Through It” (1-47)

Assignment Date: Wed, May 14, 2008

Early Out: short periods

Discuss River Runs Through It

Pages 1-24

Norman Maclean wrote this back in 1976. It is a leisurely novel. Give it some time.

Answer the following questions fully.

1. Complete the quote. “In our family there was no clear line between__________________________________” Does this lower religion or elevate fishing? Explain.

2. What question does the father ask his boys on Sundays? What is the answer?

3. How does fly-fishing support the fathers view of life?

4. What is the relationship between grace, art and salvation?

5. What does his younger brother like to bet on? Why, do you suppose, does he like to bet?

6. What is the problem with west coast fishermen?

7. What is the favor? Why does the brother grant it?

8. How was the Big Blackfoot made? What are the Biblical echoes in it’s creation?

9. Why is the dialogue between the two fears a bad thing? Do you suppose that happens to his brother?

10. How does his brother react to the catch? What might the hat move mean, if it isn’t out of respect?

11. What is the purpose of “shadow-casting” Why is that “rhythm” significant?

A River Meanders Through It; 24-55

1. Why is Paul in jail? Who is there with him? Why is she appropriate for Paul? Why would MacLean include those details about Custer?

2. What must happen in Hot Springs?

3. Who are Black Irish or Black Scots? Why won’t the men speak of them? Why will the women?

4. How is Paul different from all of these “black uncles”?

5. What does Neils suitcase signify?

6. Norman writes very ill of Rawhide and the like. What nasty things does he write? At the same time, he praises them? How?

7. How has Neal done wrong? How has he “sinned”?

8. What is the hard thing to leave behind? How does it interfere with fishing?

9. Why will fish hang out under the osiers (bushes)? Why won’t Norman fish there? How does that symbolize his relationships?

10. How did Norman lose his line? The author does not make this explicit, but why was he casting into the woods?

11. According to Paul, why should they help Neal?

12. Why is the wife so upset? What could be the deeper reason?

13. Norman seems to be setting up a disturbing theme; that to be excellent at something, you need to be self-destructive. What are his examples of self-destructive excellence?