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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Jim abuse women?

2. Why is Norman always determined to stay up with Jim's pace?

3. What does Jim eventually consider Norman to be?

4. How do the two men eventually work together?

5. What does Norman fear about an encounter with Jim?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Norman perceive Jim?

2. What is the content of Jim's final letter to Norman?

3. Who does Norman meet one summer while logging in the woods?

4. Why is Norman especially annoyed when Jim has an affair with a local woman?

5. What happens when Jim invites Norman to his home for dinner?

6. What happens when Norman returns to college?

7. How does Norman perceive Jim's letters?

8. What is Jim's wintertime job?

9. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

10. What question does Jim not ask Norman at dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Maclean family learns its lessons through times spent fly fishing. What is the significance of fly fishing and what does it symbolize in the story A River Runs Through It? Do you think Norman and Paul appreciate the metaphors provided by their father? Or do they tire of the examples and consider them to be too nostalgic to be appropriate to their current lives?

Essay Topic 2

Do you feel that Norman is drawn to Bill Bell because Bill is a father symbol to Norman? Norman is seventeen years old and has his own father with whom he has a good relationship so why is Bill's opinion of him so important to Norman? Is Norman's age and inexperience a factor in Norman's feelings? Does he still need the approval of an older male figure, regardless of the circumstances? Explain your opinions.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of Norman's ritual of bathing in the river each night after the days spent with Jim. How do you think Norman's days begin? Do you think he can almost feel the grime of Jim's lifestyle rubbing off on him as he spends time with him each day? As far as Norman is concerned, does the river have enough water to wash away the residue of being near Jim Grierson?

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