Analysis of The Rich Brother by Tobias Wolff

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Analysis of The Rich Brother by Tobias Wolff Tobias Wolff’s “The Rich Brother” is a story of two brothers, Donald and Pete. These brothers have very contrasting lifestyles; Pete is a successful businessman with a wife and kids. Donald, on the other hand, is an outcast. He’s unemployed and irresponsible. He lives his life as a vagabond. Despite these facts, the successful brother, Pete, still lacks the self-esteem he desperately craves. Therefore he tries to make his brother, Donald, feel foolish with every chance he gets. Pete talks to Donald in a very condescending and patronizing manner. For example, when Donald spills a soda in Pete’s car, Pete responds sarcastically, “Great, just great” (293). He then later yells at Donald for not getting gas. He says to Donald, “…Why don’t y...

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