A story analysis of a fictional story from the middle period of Philippine literature written by Manuel Arguilla.

1. How My Brother Leon
Brought Home a Wife
By Manuel Arguilla
A Short Story

2. Introduction
My elder brother is taking his
beautiful, wealthy wife home today. Is
everything going to be alright when
we live in this little province?
Let’s see how Baldo accompanied his
elder brother and its wife with their
simple cart rode through a bull.

3. 01
Setting of the Story
Where did the story take place?

4. Setting of the Story
The story takes place in the small
barrio called Nagrebcan somewhere
in Bauang, La Union.
No buildings, no noisy vehicles, no
busy roads. Just the fresh breeze of
wind and the mesmerizing view of
rice fields as you ride through the
rocky road with a bull.

5. Characters of the Story
02
Who are the persons involved in
the story?

6. The narrator of the story and the younger brother of Leon.
Role in the Story
An obedient, innocent, and a polite child to the elders.
Characteristics
Baldo

7. The older brother of Baldo who brought his wife in their home.
Role in the Story
A responsible, gentle, and a loving partner to his wife.
Characteristics
Leon

8. The wife of Leon who was born and grew up in the city.
Role in the Story
A beautiful, supportive, and a loving wife to her husband.
Characteristics
Maria

9. The pet of Baldo and Leon’s family who gave them a ride on the way home.
Role in the Story
A hard working, sweet, and a kind pet to his masters.
Characteristics
Labang

10. The father of Baldo and Leon who instructed Baldo to test the character of
Leon’s wife on their way home.
Role in the Story
A mild-tempered, gentle, and a protective father to his house.
Characteristics
Father

11. Plot of the Story
03
How did the story happen from
the beginning to end?

12. Exposition
Baldo accompanies his brother Leon
into fetching his wife Maria from the
terminal of carratela in their barrio.
Upon seeing his sister-in-law, he was
astounded by her great beauty and
delicateness. For Baldo, everything
about Maria is just beautiful from
head to toe; her very existence was
magically perfect.

13. Conflict
But Maria was born in a city who is used to living a convenient life. It would
be hard for her to adjust into the environment she will have to live with for
the rest of her life as her husband Leon is a man who lives in the province.
Maria could experience a culture shock as she will have to adjust to survive.

14. Rising Action
Baldo, with their family bull Labang, then accompanied the lovers on the way
home. Maria immediately recognized Baldo and Labang as Leon often
mention them to Maria. Surprisingly, she immediately befriended Labang and
was able to pat his forehead. Without wasting any time, they rode onto
Labang’s back on a cart with Baldo as the guide in front. He can’t help but to
feel amazed on how pretty his brother’s wife is even in the simplest moves
she does. He can’t believe how charming it is to listen to the laughter of two
persons who are so in love with each other. It seems like they have their own
separate world and no one could ever stop them from loving each other.

15. Climax
Night crawls and the surrounding gets even darker. It became
harder to see the roadway as the rocks makes it even harder for
them to pass through the way. They still have a long way to go but
Labang has to rest as Baldo can already sense how tired and thirsty
he has been since they left the terminal of carretela earlier. They
took a stop in Waig to let Labang rest for a bit. But Maria seems
unbothered and managed to enjoy the scenery with Leon as they
gaze on the beauty of the stars above the sky.

16. Falling Action
After a few moments, they hopped and started riding again so they
could get home as soon as possible. The rocky road still doesn’t go
away and only the fresh breeze of the winds and the tranquil
whispers of the winds are what fills their atmosphere. Leon started
to sing and after a while, Maria sang along with him. Waldo was
once again fascinated by the beautiful voice of the lady as he was
also familiar with the song they were singing on the ride.

17. Denouement
Upon arriving, Maria felt nervous; felt worried about how Leon’s father would
react to her coming. Baldo went to their father after putting Labang back to his
place. He told his father how the journey went and his father realizes that Maria is
not an arrogant girl but rather a sweet and a persevere one. His father felt relieved
knowing that Maria and Leon will not suffer a complicated relationship as spouses.

18. Theme of the Story
04
What morals did you get upon
reflecting on the story?

19. Theme of the Story
To love someone means to sacrifice something for them.
It is not true that the standard to finding partner is to find
someone who could fill the gaps in you; it is rather
removing something in you to save a space for them to fit
in your life. Because when you truly love someone, it is
not difficult to offer a place for them to stay in your life.

20. Credits: This presentation
template was created by Slidesgo,
including icons by Flaticon, and
infographics & images by Freepik.
Thanks!
Submitted by:
Regine Kyle Regida
BSE English 2
Submitted to:
Prof. Imelda Ausa
Instructor
Sources:
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/literature/Short%20Stories/How%20My%
20Brother%20Leon%20Brought%20Home%20A%20Wife.htm
https://www.slideshare.net/sicachi/how-my-brother-leon-brought-home-a-
wife-28707267