The main characters of Tobias Wolff’s story “The Rich Brother” are Pete and Donald. Although they are siblings, they differ significantly in appearance and personality. In the short period of their meeting, described in the story, readers learn much about them- their family, special character traits, attitudes to life, and much more. They are opposites, and, for this reason, it is easier for readers to choose a character they sympathize with. Even though the brothers see life differently, have contrasting financial statuses, and do not share personal beliefs, they cannot appreciate what they have in common.
The first difference is the outlook and point of view that determined the life paths of the brothers. Pete followed in the footsteps of their parents – he is serious, distrustful, and responsible because he needs to take care of his disorganized brother. He tries to fill his being with thrills and expensive purchases. In turn, Donald is naive and incredibly trusting, and although he tries to be kind and help people, his actions do not always have good consequences. His days are full of religion, prayers, and attempts to save his soul and also his brother’s one: “Donald couldn’t content himself without worrying about his own soul” (Wolff 88). These contrasting approaches to life determine their subsequent differences.
Another difference lies in their financial well-being – Pete’s status is very different from Donald’s. The elder brother has a stable job in a profitable sphere; the younger goes from one part-time job to another. Pete struggles to act wisely, gains knowledge and has no illusions about easy profit. These traits are clearly shown in a conversation with Webster, who tried to manipulate the brothers, playing on their sympathy and inventing stories about gold excavations (Wolff 95). In turn, Donald, previously expressing his desire to do business, but having learned nothing, gave the only money that he had to a stranger. He accessed it as a potential stake in the mine: “I invested it. I wanted a share, Pete” (Wolff 97). Pete’s reaction is not surprising – money for his working hours was lost due to his brother’s naivety. Without patience, they cannot understand and accept each other’s point of view and, for this, begin a conflict.
One more significant difference is the religious view – Donald strives for spiritual richness, he is open to praying and searches for peace in God, and Pete, on the contrary, is an atheist. Donald’s search for soul salvation and helping others is undoubtedly important, but yet he cannot take care of himself. In contrast to Donald, Pete seems to be a soulless materialist following their parents’ example: “…neither of them [parents] had found it necessary to believe in anything. They managed to be decent people without making fools of themselves, and Pete had the same ambition” (Wolff 88). Nevertheless, Donald, focusing only on helping others, forgets about wisdom, and does not appreciate what he has, but remembers only the negative moments of his life. Family understanding and love are what they have lacked throughout all this time.
Nothing brings the brothers satisfaction, as they are blind to things they have. Moreover, after a careful look, their differences may not be that striking. Pete is not devoid of spirituality – at any moment, he is ready to support his brother: “If you don’t like what’s going on up there, then get out” (Wolff 89). Donald recognizes his responsibility for wasting farm money and wants to learn to manage it smarter (Wolff 89). However, the conflict in their relationship is based on the fact that neither of them is ready to accept the differences of the other.
In conclusion, Pete has everything by social standards, and Donald is ready to sacrifice all he has in search of enlightenment, but neither of them is rich. Due to differences in viewpoint, religion, and finance, brothers cannot see that they have each other – siblings that can help and support. A different way of life does not necessarily imply conflict – one needs to learn patience and acceptance. Having received fraternal support, they will realize that both can be rich thanks to it.
Work Cited
Wolff, Tobias. “The Rich Brother.”Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, edited by X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, Longman Publishers, 2007, pp. 87-99.