Properties of Thirst

Rocky and Cas’s father, whom they refer to as “Punch,” established several lucrative businesses. Rather than maintaining the businesses after his father’s death, however, Rocky liquidates them except for the plot of land in California where he eventually builds Three Chairs. In moving west, Rocky defies his father’s expectations that he’ll carry out the industry that Punch established. Rocky is aware of Punch’s disapproval of his move west and recognizes the expectation to carry out his father’s legacy by continuing his businesses. For Rocky, however, pursuing his own interests takes priority to honoring his father’s wishes. He frequently jokes about the ways in which he has disappointed Punch by defying him but remains committed to his decision. Ironically, however, Stryker indirectly follows in his father’s footsteps by joining the Navy and leaving Three Chairs forever. Rocky’s refusal to speak to Stryker is somewhat hypocritical given that he defied his own father in a similar way. On the other hand, Stryker’s betrayal doesn’t stop Rocky from loving his son.

Schiff, too, must reckon with his parents’ expectations for his life. He’s keenly aware of the ways his parents have been shaped by the immigrant notion of the opportunities for a better life in the US. They regard their role as parents as providing Schiff with the foundation to ensure he secures a profession that earns the respect of other Americans, including non-Jews. Law is, in their estimation, such a profession. Schiff, however, doesn’t become a court attorney but rather takes on various roles within the government. His father fears that he’ll enlist, envisioning his son’s talents forsaken and wasted if he were to enter into combat. Ultimately, Schiff’s career path is meaningful one because he ultimately secures the opportunity to construct the new Japanese constitution upon the war’s end.

Sunny, being female, doesn’t have the pressure of following a familial legacy. Instead, the combination of wanting to better know her late mother and her interest in food leads her to pursue a career as a chef. According to Schiff and others, her talents are worthy of higher aspirations; however, Sunny is content with the fine dining restaurant she establishes first in Lone Pine, then later in a similarly small town. Nevertheless, she recognizes, at many junctures in her life, that the wealth accrued by her family puts her at an advantage over others. She selflessly pays this favor forward by feeding those in need during the war. In this way, her actions echo the selfless way that Lou provided medical care at no cost, indicating that Sunny has developed her own form of carrying on familial legacy.