SUU English 101: Assignments for
A River Runs Through It

by Norman Maclean





This novel set in Montana focuses on fly fishing and the relationship between two brothers who try to answer most of life's problems by taking each other fishing.



Blushability index. Links to related topics.
Questions for reflection: sections one, two, three, four
Essay options




Will it make you blush?

This book does contain a few mild cuss words and one funny scene that reveals parts of the anatomy that most of us keep to ourselves. On the instructor's "blushability" scale, it rates a 2 on a 10 scale.



Questions for reflection:

  • Divide the novel into four sections.
  • Read each one, underlining significant sections.
  • As you read, keep a running commentary in your notebook, jotting down questions you have about the unfolding action, notes about what the point/purpose seems to be, and personal responses.
  • Respond to the questions listed below--one for each section.
  • Subscribe to your River on-line listserv group if you haven't already.
  • E-mail an edited version of each of your responses to your group.

Confused?
    E-mail the instructor
    (Sorry--if you are using a computer in a campus lab, you'll have to leave Netscape and get into your e-mail program to send me a message at simon@suu.edu.)



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Options for Questions for Reflection

First section


A. The book's author indicates in the opening of the novel that fly fishing is a religion to his family. Describe an activity or a ritual that is as important to you or your family as fly fishing is to the Macleans. Then explain why it is so central to your life or your family's.



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Second section (Choose ONE of the options listed in this box.)


A. Why do you think Maclean spends so many words describing in detail the process of fly fishing? What does he want us to think about the sport? What does fly fishing represent to Maclean? How can you tell? (Cite specific passages from the book to explain your points.)

B. It is said that every act that someone performs represents a self portrait. What does the way they fish show about the Macleans? What does one activity you regularly perform illustrate about you?



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Third section


A. What scenes in the book show the love between Maclean and his brother? What scenes show the tension? Write a description of one to three events that could indicate to a reader who doesn't know you what kind of relationship you share with a family member or a friend.



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Fourth section (Choose ONE of the options listed in this box.)


A. One of the book's most important themes focuses on Maclean's frustration as he tries to find ways to help his doomed brother. Do you agree or disagree with his assertion that it is rare that we can really help one another? What in the book supports and/or undercuts that argument? What experiences in your own life lead you to agree or disagree?


B. Why does Maclean take his brother fishing when he doesn't know what else to do for him? What have you done in similar situations?



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Your Essay Options (Choose ONE)


(click on each underlined option for more details)

Choice A: In a thesis/example or a process analysis format, explain and illustrate why an activity or ritual helps hold your family together. Or explain how your character is defined by an activity that you pursue with a passion.


Choice B: In a thesis/example or comparison/contrast format, show us a point about the character of a person you know well or about a relationship in which you've been involved.


Choice C: Make it clear why you think that Maclean is right or wrong when he argues that we really cannot help the people we love. Use a comparison/contrast, definition or thesis/example format.



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Interesting links to other websites





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E-mail the instructor.


Go to syllabus