The Rich Brother
- How would you describe the two brothers? Who do you find more sympathetic, and why?
Peter is a hardworking and business-minded individual with a stable real estate business that earns him enough money to provide for his family. Besides, Pete is kind-hearted and supportive of his brother, Donald. Pete is also adventurous and open-minded to try different things. Pete is also an atheist since he does not believe in the existence of a supreme being. He is somewhat judgmental, especially to strangers. Donald, on the other hand, is religious and more open-minded. He is also naïve and desperate. Donald is also unambitious and struggles to provide for himself. Donald is more sympathetic than Pete; he donates some groceries to a low-income family and offers a ride to a stranger despite his brother’s unwillingness to help.
- Why is there such a conflict between them?
The primary source of conflict between Donald and Pete is money. While Pete has a stable income source, Donald struggles to make ends meet, given his inconsistent painting job. Pete’s real estate business is prosperous, and he has a family and a home he is proud of, which makes Donald jealous. Besides, Donald is naïve, which aggravates Pete as he trusts and believes everything he is told. He is easily swayed by religious doctrines making him vulnerable to exploitation. Pete’s judgmental character also adds to the conflict. He criticizes Donald’s decision to use the hundred dollars to buy shares from Webster. Pete views his brother as a foolish person, incapable of making sound business decisions. Besides, he treats Webster in an insensitive manner, which frustrates Donald.
- Why does Pete keep bailing Donald out? Is it simply out of duty and brotherhood? What do you make of the comment “everybody likes to hear someone messed up?
Despite Pete’s flaw, he cares about Donald since he is his only sibling after their parents’ death. Besides, Donald’s naïve character predisposes him to harm, which worries Pete. Donald joins an ashram in Berkeley where he almost dies from hepatitis. Pete also helps Donald out of duty since he does not have a stable job. Personally, the comment “everybody likes to hear someone messed up” is practical, given the curious nature of individuals. Pete wants to understand why his brother left the farmhouse and his experiences with the others. Besides, people like to discuss the good moments more than the bad moments since the thoughts can be devastating. People are afraid of being judged by society and their family members too.
- Do you believe Donald’s story about Pete hitting him in the stitches? If so, what might this say about their relationship?
Yes. Pete and Donald have a distant relationship since both different live lives and talk only when there is an issue. It is also clear that their rocky relationship dates began in their childhood. Sibling rivalry is a normal occurrence in families. Pete may have forgotten about the incident, but Donald remembers those moments. The idea of another child can be devastating, and it is evident that Pete did not take the new situation well. As an older child, Pete might have felt unloved by his parents, especially after the operation since Donald received more attention than him. Therefore, Donald still has unresolved issues with Pete as he brought up that incident many years ago. Even in their adulthood, Pete still demoralizes his brother.
- Why does Pete turn back? Do you believe that he would?
Despite Pete’s attitude, he cares about his brother and decides to turn back. Besides, he is unsure of what was behind the trees, and the idea of his brother being in danger proves unsettling. Pete also worries about his wife’s reaction to the news, and he does not want to disappoint his family by failing to bring Donald home. The journey back home is also long, and driving alone would be boring, and Pete longs for the company. Honestly, I believe Pete would turn back and pick his brother up because they are siblings, and as the famous quote states, “blood is thicker than water.” Despite their differences, Pete and Donald are siblings, and they are all they got. Lastly, Pete would have to explain his brother’s whereabouts to his wife, who expect to see Donald.