How does the narrator's behavior toward Don Anselmo affect the outcome in Gentleman of Rio en Medio?

Answer 1

The narrator and his clients (the Americans) are being deferential to the old man, probably out of respect and the fact that the Americans are going to have his relatives as their new neighbors. Having already benefitted from his refusal of more money, they finally agree to adopt his view of what constitutes a man's legacy.

Answer 2

He is an old man observing the rituals of an older time, an older culture, in his dress and in his beliefs about the way people deal with other people. The values he represents transcend the legalistic views of modern society.

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Everyone has different perspectives on everything. Therefore if Don Anselmo was the narrator, the story would be different, especially his feelings and opinions on situations. In the story, Don Anselmo was the man who sold the land to the Americans, and when the story was told by the lawyer, he didn't understand why the gentleman sold his land with such a low price. However, if Don Anselmo was telling the story, we would probably know why didn't he take the higher price for the land.

(It is not because he wanted to retain interest in the land, as some might interpret the story, but that he had made an agreement, a legal and proper one, and would not change it once he had. This is a somewhat archaic but noble sentiment, in line with his belief in what wider legacy a man leaves to his descendants.)

Answer 3

The narrator (a lawyer or land agent) is from the same cultural background as Don Anselmo, probably from a Hispanic family. They both appreciate that the values of society have changed, but Don Anselmo insists on living his life according to the older standards.

Answer 4

He is old, and dignified. But his formal garments are tattered by age, and his formal bearing and mannerisms (including a boy to hold his coat) seem out of place in more modern times.

Answer 5

In the story gentleman of Rio en medio What type of character is Don Anselmo?