Summary Of Norman Maclean's 'A River Runs Though It'

In Norman MacLean’s “A River Runs though It”, Norman and Paul share a passion for fly fishing. In their childhood and sometimes in adulthood when time permitted, they would meet at Big Blackfoot River to fish together. With Paul’s many difficult situations, Norman attempts to help him through. The river brings a place where they can bond and shows the love that Norman has for his younger brother. While Paul struggled with his drinking and many run ins with the law, Norman was always willing to help his brother out. When the police officer called Norman to the police station to pick up his brother, Norman showed up with his checkbook ready to bail his brother out. The officer also told Norman about his debt situation. The fact that Norman shows up with his checkbook ready to post a bail that wasn’t in existence shows Norman’s unconditional love for his brother. This is also known as brotherly love. A little while after we see Norman picking up Paul from the police station we see the brothers at the river again. The true moment in which the brothers have a moment is when Norman asks Paul if he needs any help with his situations. Isn’t there a better place to ask this question? No,

Paul goes into the club and sooner than later they are forced out. Paul decided that he isn't going to quit and heads back in while telling Norman to go. Like an older brother Norman doesn’t want to go, but after many shouts form Paul, Norman decides that it’s best for him to leave. Paul is all for independence. Knowing that he hasn’t lived up to his fathers expectations he refuses financial and moral support. Paul even refused support in fly fishing. Towards the end of the book Norman asks Paul if he needs a number two stonefly. Paul rejects the offer. Even though Paul rejects the offer this still shows that Paul wants to be independent but again fishing in the river is bonding them