The Rich Brother by Tobias Wolff

The short story describes two brothers, Donald and Pete. On one hand, Pete is the elder brother and an American citizen of the middle class, having money from investments in real estate. On the other hand, Donald is the younger brother who lives alone and owes money to his brother. The short story begins when Donald is removed from a community farm, and Pete picks him up (Wolff 15). The two brothers are not in the same status in terms of money. The short story is a representation of daily happenings in the world over people’s lives. The story portrays the enormous portion of an individual’s life and one can identify with the happenings even in the current times (Avloniti et. al 2). Rivalry between the siblings appears to be a vital issue in society and is often competitive, despite the fact that the siblings rely on one another for survival.

It is clear that although the lives of the two brothers seem separate and different, they still rely on each other in one way or another to function appropriately. From a personal perspective, the issue of dependence among siblings has become rampant in the society and as much as the families fight, they are still dependent on one another. Competition is rampant among siblings as they grow old and become independent in the world. Dependence means the action of being influenced, needing someone for help, or even relying on someone else. It has become clear that dependence is one of the many characteristics that both brothers indicate without comprehension. It is common when differences exist in terms of social and capital status within families. However, the fact remains that family members have the responsibility to help one another in difficult situations. In this case, when the family members are not connected in any way, it may appear that they are completely and personally independent (Wolff 25). Nevertheless, a close examination will always indicate that they rely on one another in order to continue operating in the real world. It is evident that Pete needs help from Donald as much as Donald needs help from Pete on emotional level. Donald appears to have an incomparable life to Pete’s despite the fact that the two are missing something at one point in time.

It seems that co-dependency, as well as family rivalry, has become common on Earth. The entire connection has emerged as an issue of emotional attachment that only the parties involved are able to define since they tend to experience it in their bodies and souls. The main themes revolving around the short stories are those of rivalry and co-dependency. Most importantly, it is wise to note that having siblings as family members is a part of life, and difficulties will always emerge (Avloniti et. al 10). It is crucial to note that difficulties help people become stronger than before and can face life in a broader way. The short story starts with the author’s description of the two brothers, mentioning that Pete is conceited and lives a more successful life than his brother. It has become open that resentment is an element driving contention among the people in a close relationship. Resentment is revolving among the two brothers. The two brothers are in constant rivalry and attempt to be above one another. Pete fears of being the vulnerable brother and requires being the brother having the upper hand. This is an indication that despite the fact that Donald and Pete are striving hard to be above each other in everything that they do, they still have a heart for each other as brothers and can actually take care of one another in times of difficulties.

Furthermore, there are things that people find wrong in themselves that aggravate them, preventing them from being noticed by other people (Avloniti et. al 12). The story indicates that the two characters need one another in everyday life since each of them lacks the quality possessed by the other. Nevertheless, the condition leads to a resentment they have been expressing toward one another. In this case, Pete always supports his brother. Donald’s horrible memories from his childhood days of trauma tend to put both of them at ends of contending means. The things that separate them tend to link the two brothers closely. An end to the story, depicting Pete driving in order to pick up Donald, indicates a perfect resolution. This is an illustration that Pete needs Donald despite the fact that he is willing to let his brother realize his degree of co-dependency. They both are proud to let each of them be humbled by any situations in their lives in front of their eyes. It is a clear lesson about siblings and the way that they behave in front of one another. The bonds that tie them are strong to break, especially in emotional settings.

Moreover, it is important to have in mind that the ties turning into strong bonds in society tend to be in strangles whenever the parties fail to be in strong relationships with their co-dependent siblings. The behavior has been rooted into the individuals’ inferiorities in that they may feel unworthy or even incapable of becoming healthy and give back to their relationships. In this case, selflessness tends to mask the entire control that feeds off the prevailing crisis in order to sustain itself. In most cases, co-dependency among siblings has emerged as a learned characteristic thriving in unhealthy rules included in the dynamics of dysfunctional families. Therefore, people are required to change the rules before breaking the destructive patterns that can ruin their family relationships (Wolff 22). This has become evident in today’s society in that siblings have become co-dependent and are in continuous rivalry with one another. People should treat one another as brothers and sisters and formulate ways that they can handle issues of rivalry within their families, keeping in mind that they belong to the same families despite their differences in interests and statuses. Sibling rivalry can carry long-term implications in case it is not handled in an appropriate way. Most of the people in the world believe that siblings should be close to one another. However, the rivalry can proceed to adulthood days when siblings are supposed to look upon each other as role models and those that can assist one another to move on with life effectively. Both Donald and Pete are adults and are still in rivalry and co-dependency.

In conclusion, rivalry and dependency have emerged as critical issues in society among siblings. One can identify with the happenings in the story ‘The Rich Brother,’ where society is exactly the same way. Siblings fight with each other, but still depend on each other. It is clear that although the lives of the two brothers seem separate and different, they still rely on each other in one way or another to function appropriately. From a personal perspective, the issue of dependence among siblings has become rampant in the society. As much as the families fight, they are still dependent on one another. It seems that co-dependency, as well as family rivalry, has become common on Earth (Avloniti et. al 17). The entire connection has emerged as an issue of emotional attachment that only the parties involved are able to define since they tend to experience it in their bodies and souls.