How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife Analysis Essay Example
How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife Analysis Essay Example

How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (823 words)
  • Published: July 10, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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At first, I thought there were only a limited number of online short stories from the American Era in the Philippines. However, I have now found hundreds of these stories. These tales are highly valuable in terms of literature and culture, making them beneficial for those interested in colonial studies. Most importantly, from my reading of four stories thus far, they not only offer an enjoyable reading experience but also feel authentic, easy to understand, and provide insight into a past way of life. For more information on this topic, please visit Nancy's Blog and my previous posts.

Whether you are a newcomer or have been immersed in this field for three decades, we welcome your participation in exploring Filipino authors. Join us as we aim to build an extensive repository of knowledge on the literary land

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scape of the Philippines. We require support to encompass all writers in this endeavor.

The topic of today's discussion is "How Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel E. Arguilla, a frequently anthologized and taught piece in creative writing classes. Manuel Arguilla (1911 to 1944) was born in Barrio Nagrebcan, Bauang, La Union on the island of Luzon. He grew up speaking Ilokano, which is the third most spoken language in the Philippines. His stories mainly revolve around ordinary people in his hometown. After completing high school, he moved to Manila for further education at the University of the Philippines. Coincidentally, this university is near my current place of residence. During college, he earned a B.S. degree in education and also became president of the University's literary club. Moreover, he married Lydia Villaneuva, anothe

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talented writer we hope to highlight in future events.

Following his graduation, he taught creative writing at the University of Manila and held a position in the government's Bureau of Public Welfare. He served as the editor for their publication, displaying notable patriotism. With great courage, he led a clandestine intelligence organization to resist the Japanese occupation. Tragically, he was subject to torture and ultimately killed by the Japanese.

"How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" is a heartwarming tale narrated in the first person by Leon's younger brother. It revolves around a significant event in the lives of the characters, where one of the sons brings his intended bride back home. Arquilla's eloquent writing style shines through in the captivating introduction of the story.

With a quick, delicate grace, she gracefully stepped down from the carretela of Ca Celin. She possessed a tall stature and as she gazed up at my brother, her forehead aligned with his mouth, a smile adorned her face. Identifying me as Baldo, she lightly placed her hand on my shoulder. Despite her long, unpainted nails, she emitted a fresh fragrance reminiscent of blooming papayas in the morning. Momentarily, a small dimple appeared on her right cheek. Declaring that she had heard much about Labang, she observed him with her hand resting upon the other wrist, while Labang chewed his cud incessantly. Labang's rumination produced a drum-like sound within him as he swallowed and regurgitated more cud. Placing my hand on Labang's massive neck, I instructed her to scratch his forehead. Initially hesitant, her attention was drawn to Labang's long, curved horns. Eventually, she approached and

gently stroked Labang's forehead with her long fingers, causing Labang to momentarily cease his chewing and half-close his big eyes. Gradually, she delicately scratched his forehead.

The text explores how the family's water buffalo warmly welcomes their sister-in-law or daughter-in-law. They all go on a cart ride together in their small town, which is the wife's first visit to that place. The wife is someone Leon met during his studies in Manila. As the story ends, there is a strong feeling of affection and yearning for the depicted community.

Glancing back, I noticed them sitting together against the trunks, hands clasped over their knees. The stars hung above the steep banks of the Wait, just a man's height above. However, darkness had fallen heavily in the deep gorge, making even Labang's white coat appear as a dim, gray blur. Crickets chirped from cracks in the banks while the scent of dangla bushes and sun-heated earth mixed with the sharp fragrance of arrais roots and hay inside the cart. "Noel, look! Our star is over there!" she exclaimed with surprise and joy. The star sat low in western sky almost touching the ragged edge of bank - it was the largest and brightest one. "I've been observing it," my brother Leon remarked. "Remember how I used to tell you that if you wanted to see stars, you must come to Nagrebcan?" "Yes Noel," she replied. She whispered to herself,"Take a look at it." It's so much bigger and brighter than when we saw it at Ermita beach." "The air here is clean without dust or smoke."

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