Finally, a story that doesn't involve crazy amounts of violence.
Overall, I think the story was boring. I kept expecting something exciting to happen and it never did. I also feel like it left several things unanswered. Why did Pete try to kill Donald when he was younger? Was he that jealous of his little brother? Why did they let that hitchhiker come with them? That would have been the last thing I would have done. The hitchhiker did however highlight their differences even more. Donald being more open and naive agreed to let the guy come along even before he finished talking. Pete on the other hand was suspicious of the guy the entire time. The way Donald talked made him seem as though he were still ten and trying to please his older brother. I think the title of the short story perfectly describes the brothers’ differences. While it may appear that Pete is better off, Donald has the possibility to do whatever he wants, he has no one tying him down. Pete is rich in actual money and things. He also has a family and a permanent home. I think the characters themselves were too stereotypical. It is not a surprise that the little brother is the one messing up. Then the big brother always has to clean up after him. It would have been more interesting I think if it were the other way around. I did like how the author developed the characters in a way that let the reader feel Pete's frustration against Donald, and vice versa. It seems like sometimes, family members aggravate you more than anyone does. I like how in the last paragraph the author lets the reader know that Pete did turn around to get Donald. It shows what is true in most families, how you can be mad at relative but still love them through your anger.
1 comment:
I like the point you made about the hitchhiker iluminating the brother's differences. Looking back, I can't definetly see that it is absolutely right. I was also pleased that the story did not have all the violent elements that the other stories did. Although, similar to the other stories, there was no clear end. This is true in alot of stories because the author wants to leave it open for interpretation and let the imagination do its work. I do believe that more questions could have been answered though. My favorite part of the story was the fact that Pete was going to go back for Donald. I think that might have been a turning point for him, realizing that family is important and that it is important to cherish the moments we have with them.
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