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Summary Of The Rich Brother By Tobias Wolff

640 Words3 Pages

Purposeful Life The short story “The Rich Brother” by Tobias Wolff follows the relationship of two brothers, Pete and Donald, as they travel to their destination. Pete, a realist and materialist, lives a more strict and luxuriant life; whereas Donald has a more optimistic outlook on the world, leading him to be naïve and childish at times. Despite these differences, the brothers still want the best for each other and have a deep connection. At first glance, the reader can assume the “rich brother” is referring to Pete and the amount of money he has acquired throughout the years. Upon further analysis, however, the reader can understand the actual meaning of “rich” to be one’s fulfillment in life’s purpose. Pete has accepted what life has to offer him, even if it is shallow …show more content…

The author mentions how Donald has attended several different churches as well as a “farm” where a community of individuals lived and worshipped together. Despite the assurance he has in his faith, Donald has yet to find his true home. Through the indecisiveness of Donald, the reader can understand how he is still searching for his true purpose. Pete on the other hand has a firm grasp on his destiny. The beginning mentions his occupation, a real estate agent, and his life with his two daughters and wife. As well as this, the author also mentions how his wealth has attributed to many expenditures, such as a sailboat and a house near the ocean. Even though these facts may led to the interpretation of Pete’s materialistic nature, the reader must understand that Pete has a strong understanding of his life. He knows what life has to offer and he appreciates the chance he has at earning these belongings. The fact that he has the opportunity to purchase these objects as well as afford them proves he has a stable job as well as a life that offers plenty of opportunity for

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