Fiction and Brother Leon Brought Essay Example
Fiction and Brother Leon Brought Essay Example

Fiction and Brother Leon Brought Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (828 words)
  • Published: August 29, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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The story "How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife" by Manuel Arguilla narrates the homecoming of a man to his province and his introduction of his wife from the city to his family. This narrative won the first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940. Baldo, the younger brother of Leon, went to pick up Leon and Maria from Nagrebcan Road. Leon, also known as Noel, is Baldo's older brother who studied in Manila, where he met his stunning wife Maria. Baldo considers Labang, the bull, as his "pet". Maria's ex-boyfriend Norman Tabios, who happened to be a loro, and Gagambino, Leon's favorite fictional character who gives him courage to study in Manila, are also part of the story. Along with their carretela, Baldo and his older brother Leon eagerly await the arrival of their visitor.

...

While on his trip to Nagrebcan, Baldo developed strong feelings for his brother's wife. At the same time, Maria felt nervous about meeting Leon's parents for the first time. However, as they journeyed back home, Maria started to notice and understand the differences between life in Nagrebcan and the city where she met and fell in love with Leon. Overall, Maria was introduced as Leon's partner and witnessed both Baldo and Labang, their family bull. The conflict arises from the contrasting lifestyles found in Nagrebcan and the city.

On the way, Maria expressed her fear that their father might not like her. Leon reassured Maria that their father is the mildest-tempered, gentlest man he knew. However, when they arrived home, their father did not welcome them. He was in his room, presumably becaus

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his leg was bothering him again. Baldo noticed his mother and sister Aurelia and Maria in the kitchen, appearing to be crying. When their father saw Baldo, he removed the roll of tobacco from his mouth and started... [continues] "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" is a short story written by Manuel Arguilla, a highly acclaimed Filipino writer.

This renowned piece of literature from the Philippines, which has received awards, holds great significance for many people. To truly grasp its meaning, it is crucial to explore the author's background. Furthermore, we can employ formalistic, historical, and sociological approaches to gain deeper insights. Additionally, we will analyze prominent symbols and their various interpretations. Manuel Arguilla was born on June 17, 1911 in Bauang, La Union to Crisanto Arguilla and Margarita Estabillo. The Arguilla family lived a simple life centered around their small plot of land.

Manuel, a highly intelligent student with exceptional writing skills, achieved the second-highest rank in his high school graduating class. He then relocated to University of Philippines in La Union where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Manuel married Lydia Villanueva, also a writer, and they together moved to Ermita, Manila. Upon completing his college education, Manuel worked as a teacher at both the Bureau of Public Welfare and the University of Manila. After some years at the bureau, he was chosen as the managing editor for The Welfare Advocate newsletter.

The author, Arguilla, served at the Bureau until 1943 and then joined the Board of Censors. During this time, he worked for a Japanese propaganda agency and as an agent for the Markings' Guerillas, an

anti-Japanese rebel group. In 1944, he was discovered by the Japanese and arrested. After being tortured, he was executed at Fort Santiago. Arguilla is most famous for his story "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife," along with over 50 other short stories such as "Midsummer," "Heat," and "Morning in Nagrebcan"...

The plot of the story follows a chronological arrangement from Maria and Baldo's arrival at Nagrebcan to when Leon's family accepts Maria as part of their family.

The point of view is first person since the author himself tells the story.

The setting takes place in Nagrebcan during evening when the sun begins to set. Nagrebcan is located in La Union and it is also where the author originates from.

The theme of the story is that sacrifice is necessary to endure a journey.

To succeed, one must demonstrate strength, determination, patience in difficult situations, and be willing to make sacrifices for happiness. It is crucial to persevere in order to achieve success. The conflict of the story revolves around Maria's fear that Leon's father will not accept her as his daughter-in-law due to her struggles with adapting to life in the province. Through their actions, words, thoughts, and physical appearances, the author or narrator indirectly reveals the characters' traits. The protagonist is Leon/Noel while Maria serves as his city-bred wife and a significant character. Baldo is Leon's younger brother and Labang is his pet bull. The challenges and obstacles faced on the journey towards achieving a goal are symbolized by the rocky road. This short story portrays the difficulties encountered by a married couple, emphasizing that married

life is far from easy... [continues]

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