Question

In some works of literature, childhood and adolescence are portrayed as times graced by innocence and a sense of wonder; in other works, they are depicted as times of tribulation and terror. Focusing on A River Runs Through It, explain how the novel’s representation of childhood and/or adolescence shapes the meaning of the work as a whole.

a) Childhood and adolescence in the novel bring innocence and wonder, enhancing the overall meaning.
b) The portrayal of childhood and adolescence adds terror, diminishing the work's meaning.
c) The novel's meaning is unaffected by its representation of these life stages.
d) Childhood and adolescence create a complex meaning, combining innocence and tribulation.

Answer 1

d) Childhood and adolescence create a complex meaning, combining innocence and tribulation. Childhood and adolescence in the novel create a complex meaning by combining innocence and tribulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean depicts childhood and adolescence as a complex combination of innocence and tribulation, shaping the overall meaning of the work. The protagonist, Paul, experiences both the joy and wonder of his childhood, as well as the hardships and tragedies that come with growing up. Through these representations, the novel explores themes of family, love, and the interconnectedness of life.