Jack Pluckhan English 6th period (H). 5/6/24 A River Runs Through It A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean details some of Norman's own firsthand experiences with his brother, Paul. Paul does not get the help he needs, and as a result, he makes poor decisions within the span of the book. Norman Maclean's story demonstrates people's inherent need for help, and that this universal need connects people indefinitely. While people need support, people do not always get the help they need, and it can be hard to recognize when someone needs assistance. Sometimes attempts to help are also doomed to fail and can leave those who were unable to help filled with regret and through the right kind of help one can be saved from a descent into mental destruction. Through figurative language, Maclean expresses that reliance on others is necessary; yet some resist help and lean into self-sufficiency. While the novel values relying on self-sufficiency, it leads to misfortune and regrets when the characters do not accept help. …show more content…
Norman starts out the book by stating, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing" (page 1). Maclean shows that his family believes fly fishing to be a spiritual experience through this metaphor. Their shared experience of fishing constantly together and their desire for the same outcome should keep Paul and Norman in tune with one another and able to receive and give help. However, each brother thinks of the other as capable and tough and not in need of help. They both “held in common the knowledge that we were tough” (page 6). This view of one another leads to an epic fight that clouds their ability to see what the other actually needs. Because of this viewpoint, Norman believed the