A River Runs Through It (Film) Irony

A River Runs Through It (Film) Irony

Story Time

Paul tells his family that he met President Calvin Coolidge while fly fishing, a story they all enjoy a great deal. Ironically, as soon as Paul leaves, we see that his mother and father know he is a liar. They simply allow themselves to enjoy his tall tales, but don't actually talk to him about the truth or demand it from him.

Newspaper Man

Paul writes for the local newspaper. He has a profession that is built on integrity and reporting the truth. Ironically, he is a man that is willing to tell a lie, creating a story for effect rather than having to speak the truth.

Artist

Paul's life is a mess: he owes money to the wrong people and he is keeping his issues to himself. Ironically, when he is on the river fly fishing he is as honest and true as any person could be. To his brother Norman, the river is where Paul achieved perfection.

Marvelous

Norman and Paul lay their fish beside one another after a catch to see who has a larger catch. Their father says that both are marvelous. Ironically, he then pulls out his catch and its bigger than both. He encourages his sons but instantly claims victory over them.

Quite a Day

Norman tells his brother that he is going to marry Jessie and live in Chicago. Paul tells him that it's "quite a day" as he turns his back on him. He's happy for Norman being able to have a life and leave, but ironically he knows he will never have that. He feels his dreams of something more will not be achieved and its hard for him to know his brother will have that kind of life.

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