Short Story Tittle: How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife

(Commonwealth Literary First Prize, 1940)

Author: Manuel E. Arguilla
1. Characters

Leon - Main Character, the protagonist and husband of Maria and brother of Baldo
Maria - the wife of Leon also one of the major character
Baldo - younger brother of Leon and the narrator of the story
Labang - the carabao they used to go to their father’s house
Father of Leon and Baldo
Mother of Leon and Baldo
Aurelia – Leon and Baldo’s younger sister

2. Setting
In Barangay Nagrebcan, Baung, La Union

3. Plot
Leon and Baldo waited for the arrival of Maria at the barrio.

Maria was afraid that Leon’s father would not accept her because she may not able to adapt the
way of living in the province.

Baldo was ignores Leons questions about why did they have to go to waig instead of Camino
Real. The reason is that their father wanted to test Maria if she is worthy to be the wife of his
son Leon.

The family of Leon talked to Maria and his father talk much livelier a sign that he accepted her to
be Leon’s wife.

4. Conflict
Man versus Society - When Leon brought his wife to his hometown. His wife is from the city and
not used to live in the barrio. When Leon came to his hometown with a wife. The neighborhood
doesn’t know that Leon is married to a girl from the city.

5. Point of View
Baldo is the narrator and the story has been told in first person point of view.

6. Theme

1
 To endure journey, sacrifices are necessary. In order to achieve success we must be strong
enough, show determination and be patient. During difficult situation, we must be willing to
step out in our comfort zone so that we can learn from our new experiences and achieve
happiness.

7. Motiff

Accept and respect others way of life.

It is always better to introduce your special someone to your family.
Sometimes one has to make a sacrifice to have a happy life.
Social status is not a barrier if you truly love each other.