"HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE"

Introduction

"How my brother Leon brought home a wife" is a classic short story written by Filipino author
Manuel E. Arguilla. It tells the heartwarming tale of a young woman named Maria, who travels
to meet her husband's family for the first time in their rural Philippine village. This story
explores themes of tradition, family dynamics, and the clash between rural and urban
cultures.First and foremost, the story highlights the importance of tradition and family values in
Filipino culture. The arrival of Maria at Leon's home is symbolic of the merging of two families
and the continuation of their traditions. As Maria navigates this new environment, she is
enveloped in the warmth and love of her husband's family, who welcome her with open arms.
Through her interactions with Leon's parents and siblings, Maria learns about their way of life
and the customs that have been passed down through generations. This emphasis on tradition
underscores the significance of family ties and the importance of honoring one's
roots.Moreover, the story delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles
that arise when conflicting values and expectations collide. Maria, a city girl who grew up in an
urban setting, finds herself in a rural village that is vastly different from the life she has always
known. She must navigate this new terrain with grace and patience, as she tries to win over
Leon's family and adjust to their way of life. The story poignantly portrays the challenges faced
by individuals who must navigate the complexities of family relationships and negotiate the
expectations placed upon them by society.Additionally, "How my brother Leon brought home a
wife" explores the clash between rural and urban cultures and the tension that arises when
individuals from different backgrounds come together. Maria's presence in the village serves as
a catalyst for change, as she challenges the norms and traditions that have long been held dear
by Leon's family. Her urban upbringing and modern sensibilities clash with the rural simplicity of
the village, creating a sense of unease and discord that must be resolved. This clash of cultures
highlights the need for understanding and empathy between individuals from diverse
backgrounds, and underscores the importance of respecting and valuing each other's
differences.
 Analysis of Literature:

- Characters:

The story features characters like Maria, Leon, Baldo (Leon's younger brother), Labang (their
pet Carabao), and their parents. Each character represents different aspects of Filipino culture
and tradition, with Maria serving as a bridge between urban and rural lifestyles.

- Plot:

The plot revolves around Maria's arrival in her husband's village, her interactions with the
locals, and the tensions that arise as she navigates the expectations of her new family and
community.

- Setting:

The story is set in a rural village in the Philippines, characterized by its lush landscapes, simple
way of life, and strong sense of community.

- Conflict:

The main conflict in the story arises from the clash between Maria's urban upbringing and the
rural traditions of her husband's family. This conflict highlights the challenges of adapting to a
new environment and reconciling different cultural values.

Analysis of the writer's writing style

 Manuel Arguilla is recognized as one of the prominent writers in the Philippine
literature. His short story "How my brother Leon brought home a wife" is a literary masterpiece
that showcases his unique writing style. In this essay, we will analyze Arguilla's writing style in
this story, focusing on his use of imagery, symbolism, and narrative technique.Arguilla's writing
style is marked by his vivid and colorful descriptions, which create a rich and immersive setting
for his stories. In "How my brother Leon brought home a wife," he uses detailed imagery to
bring the rural landscape of Nagrebcan to life. For example, he describes the lush fields and
trees, the winding rivers, and the bustling streets of the village in such a way that the reader
can almost feel the heat of the sun and hear the chirping of the birds. This attention to detail
not only adds depth to the story but also helps to establish the cultural and geographical
context in which the characters live.Another key aspect of Arguilla's writing style is his use of
symbolism. Throughout the story, he employs various symbols to convey deeper meanings and
themes. For instance, the bamboo bridge that Maria struggles to cross represents the divide
between the rural and urban worlds, highlighting the cultural differences and challenges that
she faces as a newcomer to Leon's village. Similarly, the metaphor of the star in the sky
symbolizes the enduring bond between Leon and Maria, despite their differences and the
obstacles they must overcome as a couple.Arguilla's narrative technique is also worth
mentioning in the analysis of his writing style. In "How my brother Leon brought home a wife,"
he adopts a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the reader to gain insights into the
thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This narrative choice enables Arguilla to explore
complex themes such as love, marriage, and tradition from different perspectives, adding depth
and complexity to the story. Furthermore, his use of flashback and foreshadowing techniques
creates a sense of anticipation and suspense, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the
outcome of the plot.In conclusion, Manuel Arguilla's writing style in "How my brother Leon
brought home a wife" is characterized by its vivid imagery, symbolic depth, and skillful narrative
technique. Through his masterful storytelling, he captures the nuances of Filipino culture and
explores universal themes such as love, family, and tradition. His ability to evoke a sense of
time and place, as well as to create fully realized characters with complex motivations and
emotions, sets him apart as a writer of extraordinary talent. As readers, we are drawn into the
world of Nagrebcan and the lives of its inhabitants, experiencing their joys and sorrows, their
hopes and fears, as if they were our own.

Analysis of Historical and Cultural context

The story follows the journey of a young woman named Maria who travels to her
husband's rural hometown to meet his family for the first time. Through Maria's eyes, the
readers are able to witness a vivid portrayal of the rural Philippine setting and the cultural
nuances that define the relationships within the family.One of the most striking aspects of the
story is the way in which Arguilla incorporates the historical and cultural context of the
Philippines into the narrative. Set in the early 20th century, the story is a reflection of the social
norms and traditions that were prevalent during that time. The Philippines was under American
colonial rule during this period, and the influence of Western culture is apparent in the
story.Maria's journey from the city to the rural countryside serves as a metaphor for the clash
between traditional and modern values. As she navigates through the unfamiliar terrain, Maria
is confronted with the stark differences between the world she knows in the city and the
customs of her husband's family in the countryside. This contrast highlights the tension
between the urban and rural divide that was prevalent in Philippine society during this time.The
character of Maria herself is a symbol of this clash of cultures. As a city girl who has been raised
in a more modern environment, Maria is initially apprehensive about meeting her husband's
family and adapting to their way of life. However, through her interactions with Leon and his
family, Maria begins to appreciate the simplicity and warmth of rural life. This character
development showcases the theme of cultural understanding and acceptance, as Maria learns
to embrace her husband's heritage and find common ground with his family.Arguilla also
explores the theme of tradition versus modernity through the character of Leon. As the elder
brother and head of the family, Leon is torn between his duty to uphold the traditions of his
ancestors and his desire to embrace the changes brought about by modernization. This internal
conflict is reflected in his relationship with Maria, as he struggles to reconcile his love for her
with the expectations of his family.In addition to exploring cultural themes, Arguilla also delves
into the complexities of family dynamics in the Filipino setting. The story portrays the dynamics
of a close-knit Filipino family, where relationships are built on love, respect, and shared values.
Through the interactions between Maria and Leon's family members, the readers are able to
gain insight into the importance of familial ties in Philippine culture.Overall, "How My Brother
Leon Brought Home a Wife" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that offers a window
into the historical and cultural context of the Philippines during the early 20th century. Through
the character of Maria and the experiences she encounters, Manuel Arguilla provides a rich
tapestry of Filipino life and tradition that continues to resonate with readers today.

Conclusion

In my conclusion about the story about, "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife"
is a beautifully written story that explores themes of tradition, love, and acceptance. Through
the character of Maria and Arguilla, highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and
embracing new experiences. The story is a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and
love to overcome differences and bring people together. Arguilla's skillful storytelling and rich
character development make "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" a timeless and
impactful piece of literature that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.One of the central
themes in the story is the clash between tradition and modernity. Maria, who comes from the
city, is initially hesitant about the rural setting of Leon's home. She is wary of the customs and
norms of his family, and unsure of how she will be received by them. However, as the story
unfolds, Maria begins to see the beauty in the simplicity of rural life. She appreciates the
warmth and hospitality of Leon's family, and learns to embrace their traditions.In conclusion,
"How my brother Leon brought home a wife" is a poignant and heartwarming story that
explores the themes of tradition, family dynamics, and the clash between rural and urban
cultures. Through the character of Maria, the story illuminates the complexities of family
relationships and the challenges faced by individuals who must navigate the expectations and
traditions of those around them. Ultimately, the story reminds us of the importance of love,
acceptance, and understanding in bridging the divide between different cultures and forging
meaningful connections with those we hold dear.