Norman’s mother Character Analysis in A River Runs Through It

The sole woman in the Maclean household, she also dotes on Paul, though she grows distraught and silent when he fails to give up his late nights out. Norman’s mother is not permitted to enter what is still a “man’s world” of fly-fishing—her role still conforms to traditional gender norms—but she has a quieter appreciation and understanding for the art of fly-fishing as seen from the homestead.

Norman’s mother Character Timeline in A River Runs Through It

The timeline below shows where the character Norman’s mother appears in A River Runs Through It. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Grace, Disgrace, and Divine Will Theme Icon

...these things are easy. He teaches his two sons how to cast by using their mother’s piano metronome. Paul, who is three years younger than Norman, is already ahead of his... (full context)

The only time Norman and Paul ever fight, they don’t see their mother, a petite woman, come between them to try to stop them—until she is suddenly on... (full context)

...to the summer of 1937, when his father had retired and was living with their mother in Missoula, while Paul was a reporter in the capital of Helena, and Norman was... (full context)

...thinks Norman is trying to be brave. Paul suggests that they stop and call their mother to tell her their plans. Paul ends up making all the arrangements for what will... (full context)

They arrive late to Missoula, where their mother is thrilled to see them, especially Paul. She butters all his rolls with his favorite... (full context)

Eternal Nature vs. Human Frailty Theme Icon

As Norman helps their mother with the dishes, Paul says he’s going to run to town to see some old... (full context)

...Norman says that help doesn’t have to be that big. His father asks if Norman’s mother helps Paul by buttering his rolls, and Norman says she might. When his father asks... (full context)

...The next morning Norman descends to breakfast, where the family is waiting for him. His mother says that Paul has made breakfast for him. When Norman looks at his brother, he... (full context)

...that Paul had been beaten to death and his body dumped in an alley. Norman’s mother returns to her bedroom. She never asks Norman any questions about Paul—Paul, whom she most... (full context)