Decano, Lyka Joy Feb.
16, 2024
ENGLISH - 2A EL 107/110
How My Brother Leon brough Home A Wife
A Formalist Literary Approach
Manuel E. Arguilla, the author of "How my Brother Leon brought home a wife", was known for writing
using his local colors. He is an Ilocano writer, a martyr, and a patriot of his native Nagrebo, Bauang, La
Union. The use of his language which is attractive to its surroundings, bringing life to his works, has been
an integral part of his story. In his short stories, for example "How my brother Lean brought a woman
home", the characteristic of his works makes formal criticism seem apparent. In this theory, literature is
considered to be a living entity that exists by itself and does not require any attachments. Like Arguilla's
work, he had written it in such a way that all the key facts of his story could be found by itself.
The story "How my brother Leon brought home a wife" becomes an example text for the Formalist
Criticism. In a formalistic approach, Dobie (2011, pp.41) explained that point of view is a
significant shaping force because it is the storyteller who controls the reader's perception. In addition,
critics can examine the formal elements of the story, such as form, diction, and unity, including irony,
paradox, and ambiguity. In the story, in particular La Union's land, we can find images, verbal symbols
and other figurative languages. Arguilla composed the story in the first person, with the narrator being
Baldo, Noel's brother, or as Maria refers to him as "Leon". See how the name 'Leon' is formed by
reversing the words from Noel. Baldo, who also serves as a character and narrator, sets the tone and
ambiance for the story. As previously noted, the environment creates a 'romantic purity' not via young
love or 'child love', but through the pure ambiance established by Leon and Maria's love and Baldo's
support during their trip. More specifically, one of the symbols we're familiar with in this story is a
journey. The word "journey" is used to describe their journey to Nagrebcan. It's also a symbol of
obstacles, problems in relationships, ups and downs,figuratively speaking of the journey that a couple has
to go through to get to their happy place. The character of Maria, a city girl who relocates to a province to
be with Leon, whom she adores, makes the journey difficult. In "Writing a Formalist Analysis", the body
of the text structure must present the different elements of the story that together form a meaning and
affect the overall understanding of the story. Just as we did at the top level of this structure, we're going to
touch the form, the language, and the unity of the story here. In order to emphasize Leon's feelings for his
father's acceptance of Maria, the song "Sky Sown with Stars" has been added to the story, following the
discussion of symbolism. In addition, the story also speaks clearly of nature s beauty; it explicitly
describes its sceneries, sense of transition from city to province but does not only focus on that aspect as
well as how each character is unique. In addition, looking at Baldo's statement, “the fragrance of her was
like a morning when papayas are in bloom”, and the ambiguity of the story is not escapable. Baldo
repeated this statement at the beginning and end, in which it also conveyed two meanings. In the
beginning, Baldo had said it as a compliment to Maria's external beauty, and in the last part, Baldo had
said it as a compliment to Maria's internal beauty, because this time he had been able to witness Maria's
genuine and pure intention to his brother Leon. And that, too, has led to the acceptance of his family,
especially of his father, Maria, as the kind, supportive and worthy wife of Leon. It's a sign of the unity of
the story. Wherein as Dobie (2011) explained, unity comes with its all-aspect fit together and contributes
to the totality of the story.
The elements of the story are clearly visible through the closed reading of the text. The choice of the
author's words reveals that he uses pictures, similes and other figurative languages with particular
emphasis on the territory of La Union which is described. The author's narration and line are accompanied
by images and similes. A vivid description of every scenario that creates the image of life in the Union
has been given. It shows that, as one of the main characteristics of formalism theory, his writing style was
very specific and well suited for reading its text.
Reference:
Dobie, A. B. (2012). Theory into Practice: An Introduction to Literary Criticism (3rd ed.). Thomson Press
(India) Ltd.
Arguilla, Manuel E.. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National Commission
for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/arguilla-manuel-e/
