* Fables are often allegorical. They use animals or inanimate objects to represent human qualities and deliver a moral lesson. Arguilla's story focuses on human characters and their relationships.
* Fables are typically short and concise. While "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" is a short story, it's not as concise as a fable. It develops the characters, their relationships, and the setting in a more nuanced way.
* Fables often end with a clear moral lesson. While Arguilla's story explores themes of love, family, and tradition, it doesn't have a clear-cut moral or lesson that's explicitly stated.
Instead of a fable, "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" is considered a short story that explores the complexities of family dynamics and Filipino culture. It uses realistic characters and events to create a relatable and engaging narrative.