Essay Questions

What is Presbyterianism and what is its significance in this narrative?

Presbyterianism is the name given to a religious movement that originated in Scotland in the 18th century and is considered as being a reformat religion. The religion is a Christian one and just like other mainstream Christian religions, it focuses on the power of the Bible, God and Christ. Presbyterianism arrived in America with the settlers who migrated from England and in some parts of the country it was among the most common religious groups. The faith is based on Calvinism principles and a great importance is put on learning and education which is considered a continuous process. Understanding what Presbyterianism is remains important when analyzing the story because religion plays an important part in the character’s life. Norma’s father is a Presbyterian minister and his children were deeply influenced by the teaching they received as children. Thus, understanding the religion and its principles is crucial to understanding some of the characters’ actions.

What is the connection between religion and fishing?

Fishing is for Norman’s father just as important as religion and he links religion with fishing. The profession of fishing is mentioned in the Bible numerous times and in fact many of Jesus’s disciples were fishermen. In Mathew verse 18 and 19 chapter 4, Jesus mentions that two of his disciples, Peter and Andrew were in fact fishermen and it is theorized that as many as seven disciples were fishermen. But the action of fishing also has a metaphorical meaning as the disciples were told that they must ‘’fish for men’’ or in other words to search for people worthy of becoming Christians and Jesus’s followers. Thus, between fishing and religion there is a big connection and it is no wonder to see that a man of God would be interested in fishing as well. Also, this also proves that the connection between fishing and religion is not entirely arbitrary and that there is a deeper meaning behind it.

What is the catechism?

Norman mentions the catechism a couple of times in the story and it is always linked with his father. Understanding what the catechism represents is important in understanding the characters and their actions. Catechism refers to the doctrines of a certain religious group and are usual doctrine manuals that differ from one religion to another. The books have a set scheme and it usually involves a question followed by an answer that has to be learned by heart by the believer. According to the https://www.opc.org website, Presbyterianism has 107 such questions and the first question is the one mentioned by Norman’s father in the book. He considered the first question as being the most important one when it came to one’s faith and it had the purpose of defining what is a man’s purpose in life. Norman’s father tried to live by that rule and thus made it his purpose in life to ‘’glorify God’’ and to serve him until the end of his days.

Why does Norman’s father insists he calls the utensil with which he fishes a fishing rod and not a fishing pole?

Norman’s father mentions numerous times that he uses a fishing rod not a poll. The rod he uses is simple and it consists bamboo sticks glued together and then with a string tied at the end. The fishing rod as it is described here is the most rudimentary tool used for fishing and the idea transmitted is that a fishing pool would be a little more sophisticated. The reason why the father insists over and over again that he and his children use a fishing rod is because he wants to transmit the idea that man has to be in touch with nature. Thus, the techniques and the items he uses to interact with nature must be rudimentary as well and must not be detrimental to nature in general.