Gentleman of Rio en Medio” is a short story by Juan A.A. Sedillo, an American writer known for his works on the American Southwest. Set in a rural New Mexico village, the story explores the life of a quiet, introspective man named Pancho, who is affectionately known as the “Gentleman of Rio en Medio” by the villagers. As it delves into Pancho’s character and his interactions with the community, the narrative touches upon themes of solitude, connection, and the human spirit in a remote and culturally rich landscape. Read More Class 10 English Summaries.
Gentleman of Rio en Medio Summary
Gentleman of Rio en Medio Summary in English
“Gentleman of Rio en Medio” was written by Juan A.A. Sedillo. This prose is based on the story of Author s actual legal case. Rio en Medio is a place in Santa Fe county, New Mexico, United States. The storyteller (author) as a lawyer and held public office.
The hero of the lesson was Don Anselmo. He was the most respectful old man of that village. He had a small house and orchard. r$F The storyteller was the mediator, between Don Anselmo and American people. The American people wanted to buy Don Anselmo’s property. But Don Anselmo was not in a hurry to sell his property. He was an old man and plenty of time. He lived in his ancestral land. He tilled the same land they had tilled. He had a small, unpleasant house. It was built in an old fashion. A small narrow stream was flowing throughout his land. A lot of trees were grown in his orchard and it was beautiful.
After much effort and negotiation of the storyteller, the Oldman agreed to sell his property. It took months of time. The oldman came to the office on the day of sale. He wore old, green faded coat. By looking the old man, author remembers the Senator Catron (Thomas Benton Catron, a senator from New Mexico, 1912-1917). had the great power to control the mountain people. The oldman’s coat was similar to Prince Alberts, that means old man was wearing his old, long, double-breasted coat. He wore old and tom gloves and his fingertips can be seen through them. He carried a cane, it was only the skeleton of a worn-out umbrella. Behind him, one of his relative boy was followed. The boy (young man) was dark and his eyes are like a gazelle, (large beautiful eyes of small deer).
The old man’s behaviour was completely different from others. He bowed to all the persons in the room and removed his hat and gloves. This action is similar to that of Charlie Chaplin’s action once he did it in a picture. Chaplin’s role was the Janitor in a bank. The old man gave his things to the boy and sat on a chair. The conversation was started about the rain and his faniily. The old man was very proud of his large family. Finally, the mediator came to the topic. The old man was agreed to sell his property for twelve hundred dollars in cash. The buyer got survey of the land and came to know that the land extended and it almost doubles, what they want to purchase and agreed before. So they were very good people and ready to pay twice the amount. They kept the money ready in front of the old man.
The old man thought for a moment and the story teller’s proposal made him insult, because he was a man of principles. He didn’t agree to take more money from them. Authoritatively he said that he is ready to sell his house aid land for twelve hundred dollars only. The storyteller argued but the old man was not ready to accept more money. Finally he signed the deed and took the money and went out as usual. A month later the buyers renovated the house and orchard, and they moved there to live, but the childen of the village were overrunning their property. They came everyday, played under the trees and built little fences and took flowers. Buyers warned them but they simply laughed and talked good naturedly in Spanish. This complaint came back to the office.
To solve the problem the story-teller sent a messenger to call Don Anselmo. It took a week to arrange the meeting. When the old man came, the problem was discussed. The storyteller asked the old man being the most respected man of the village, why couldn’t he stop the children from doing so. The buyers might enjoy their new home in peace. After hearing, Don Anselmo replied that he sold his property to them because they were good people, but he didn’t sell them the trees in the orchard. The story-teller tried to explain that generally if the land/orchard is sold the possession of the trees in that place is also to buyers.
The old man accepted the matter and continued that he is the oldest man in the village, everyone in the village were his relatives and all the children are nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Every time a child has been bom in Rio en Medio, he had planted a tree for that child. The trees in that orchard are not his, that belong to the children of the village. So he had no right to sell and he didn’t sell it. Legally the buyers owned the trees but the old man was so generous and he refused to accept the fortune form him. Afterwards, the buyers bought all the trees individually from the descendants of Don Anselmo. It took most of the following winter.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “Gentleman of Rio en Medio” by Juan A.A. Sedillo offers a glimpse into the profound impact one individual can have on a close-knit community. Pancho’s quiet dignity and the bonds he forms with his neighbors serve as a testament to the enduring power of kindness and connection in even the most remote and unassuming corners of the world. The story celebrates the beauty of human relationships and the richness of life found within the simplicity of rural existence.
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