Summary Of The Rich Brother By Tobias Wolff

When one considers the word rich, he or she assumes money. Being rich means not only being monetarily wealthy, but also wealthy in happiness and love. In Tobias Wolff’s short story, “The Rich Brother,” there are two brothers who live in separate realities with different versions of rich. They reconnect after the youngest brother, Donald, complicates part of his reality. Both brothers are content with their lives and wish not to modify any part. Pete, the eldest is content with money, family, friends, and a solid career. On the other side, Donald is pleased with pursuing a faithful life with no true friends, family, career, or money. The author displays both sides as to which brother is truly rich without telling who the actual rich brother is. While some may consider Donald as the rich brother, through careful consideration of the word “rich” and examples from the text, Pete is the true rich brother.

Pete and his wife own a “Century 21 franchise in Santa Cruz” and work in real estate (324). They have enough money to be secure while owning several extravagant items. The author states that Pete “works hard” and makes as much money as he believes “he deserves” (324). Pete is driven to provide for his family and himself. Later in life, Pete concedes to a new experience and tries sky diving and in turn it results in more happiness. The word Pete uses to describe his new hobby, “mystical,” displays how invigorated it makes him. With all of this, Pete is content in the work he undertakes and the love he perceives from his family and friends. The eldest brother displays a sense of belonging. With the security of his job, family, and ability to try new experiences, he has the belief that he is the prosperous brother who belongs, while Donald is the wanderer who never will belong. (Away from summary, focus on