In many ways, A River Runs Through It is a patient, thoughtful criticism of Maclean's inherited views of masculinity. For instance, it isn't enough for Norman's father to enjoy fishing—he has to put his stamp on a theory for fishing, and he has to acquire praise somehow, but he's actually not that talented at the sport. This cognitive dissonance is the "river" from the title, and it runs throughout the father's character. Fishing is simply a metaphor used for the execution of a masculine role in life, and in many ways, the metaphor implies deep, religious principles that can be used to deconstruct it.
The deconstructionist element of the novel is undeniable. By focusing on the negative aspects of his father's legacy, Maclean is deconstructing his own views of masculinity by shedding light on the pressure his father exerted toward him. Again, this pressure seems to be an indication of the father's need to believe a narrative about himself that boosts his ego (cognitive dissonance), and by showing that the father is actually not that great of a fisher, he shows that the father's pride is his undoing, because it's rooted in insecurity and shame. Perhaps if the father was not so concerned with his ego, he might realize that his "theory" for fishing is actually the product of his lack of skill and discipline. Then he might become a good or even great fisher, but as long as the father's pride is involved, he won't have the discipline to admit his weakness.
This theme is redoubled by the story's account of the sibling rivalry between Norman and his younger brother, Paul. Paul and Norman both exemplify a strained, empty masculinity, a kind of inflated currency in their sense of self where they are afraid to be exposed as impostors, like they don't have enough value to back up their currency of masculinity. So they project personas that keep other people very far away, driving a wedge between them, and driving a wedge between Paul and the rest of the world.
