To some people, fishing may be just fishing. But fishing for people who have read A River Runs Through It at some point in their lives is a gift. Whether anglers use bait, worms or George flies, it's all the more enjoyable to catch trout with a brother under one arm and a father under the other. The river and fishing had such an impact on the Maclean family that it is the root of this book. The Macleans compared the river to life, went fishing to answer questions and created a river with a past full of memories. The river and the fishing become metaphors for life by having a life of their own. When the Macleans, especially Norman, talk about the river, they are also referring to life, their lives and themselves. When Norman couldn't catch a fish in the open river, Paul said, "Brother," he said, "you can't catch a trout in a bathtub." » You like fishing in open, sunny waters because you're Scottish and you're afraid. lose a fly if you throw it into the bushes. "But the fish don't sunbathe. They're under the bushes where it's cool and safe from fishermen like you" (Maclean 42). Norman defends himself by saying that he will lose flies if he throws near the bushes. Paul wonders why he cares about losing flies that cost him nothing. “No one,” says Paul, “had a good day of fishing unless they left a few flies hanging in the bushes. You can't catch fish if you don't dare go where they are. » This last phrase also applies to work, to people, to the search for something or someone, and to life itself. If people wait for good things to happen instead of going to where they are, that thing is and doing something, they won't achieve anything. If people just sat around and waited for luck to come their way, luck would come their way. ..offering him money or taking him fishing" (55). The memories of his brother and his entire family are in the river and every time he sees the river, he sees his family. When the river splashes, Paul calls. When he launches into the open waters, his father watches him. When he counts the four-beat rhythm, he hears his mother's metronome. And when he passes a bush with flies around. from its leaves, he will remember some, if not all, of his experiences. The Macleans compared the river to life, went fishing to answer their questions and created a river that has a past. loaded with memories. The river and fishing become a metaphor for life by having a life of its own. Sometimes there are fish to find, thoughts to remember and lessons to learn. never knows when or where it will stop. Then, one unfortunate day, it will stop moving and dry up..