HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE by Manuel Arguilla (Oral Reading) || Word Works by Shelica

Hello, Word Workers! Today, I bring you a Filipino classic by Manuel Arguilla: "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife."
Imagine a young man, Leon, returning to his rural Filipino village after years away. He's brought with him a beautiful woman from the city, a surprise to his family and neighbors.
However, their happiness is soon clouded by the villagers' judgment and prejudice against the city woman. As Leon navigates the tension between his love for his wife and the expectations of his community, the story explores themes of cultural differences, family dynamics, and the enduring power of love.
Summary:
Manuel Arguilla's "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" is a poignant tale of a young man, Leon, who returns to his rural Filipino village after years away. He brings with him a beautiful woman from the city, much to the surprise and initial disapproval of his family and neighbors.
The villagers, accustomed to the simplicity of their rural life, find the city woman's sophistication and modernity jarring. They are particularly critical of her attire and demeanor, which they perceive as inappropriate and pretentious. Despite the initial resistance, Leon remains steadfast in his love for his wife and his desire to introduce her to his family and community.
As the story unfolds, the tension between the city woman and the villagers intensifies. The woman, feeling isolated and misunderstood, longs for the comforts and conveniences of city life. Meanwhile, the villagers cling to their traditional ways, fearing that the arrival of the city woman will disrupt their harmonious community.
Eventually, a compromise is reached. The city woman agrees to adapt to the rural lifestyle, while the villagers learn to accept her as part of their community. The story concludes with a sense of hope and reconciliation, as the characters come to understand and appreciate each other's differences.