River Runs Through It Figurative Language

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In Norman Maclean's novel "A River Runs Through It," the father imparts a profound insight about the nature of help, stating, "Truly helping someone involves giving a part of yourself, which they willingly accept and desperately need. However, oftentimes, we struggle to identify what part to offer, or we withhold parts of ourselves. Alternatively, the part required may not be what the person desires. Frequently, we simply lack the necessary part to provide assistance, akin to an auto shop running out of a specific component." (Maclean 81) Norman must grasp the concept of help, who requires it, and who should extend it. Maclean employs several figurative language passages to illustrate examples of help. The author suggests that people are often unwilling to aid …show more content…

The telephone had a voice in it, which asked, 'Are you Paul's brother?' I asked, "What's wrong?" The voice said, "I want you to see him." Thinking we had poor connections I banged the phone. Who are you? I asked. He said, 'I am the desk sergeant who wants you to see your brother'" (Maclean 23). This passage employs figurative language, as Norman did not literally ascend through mists and molecules. The metaphor relates to the theme of help, as the author depicts Norman awakening and admitting to the desk sergeant his uncertainty about how to handle his brother Paul's situation. The sergeant comprehends Norman's predicament, being a brother himself. Paul and Norman occasionally engage in fishing excursions together. During one such outing, intended to discuss fishing, Norman failed to recognize Paul's need for assistance. An example of this obliviousness occurs when "The spray emanating from him was fine-grained still and enclosed him in a halo of

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