Importance of Community in El Tonto Del BarrioThe title of José Armas' story, "El Tonto Del Barrio" (or "The Model of the Barrio"), can be interpreted in two different ways. ways. The first interpretation is literal and applies to the simple-minded Romero, who, with the help of his community, is able to function in the real world. The second interpretation is ironic; this applies to Harvard-bound Seferino, who, although he has good intentions, is so lacking in experience that he turns Romero's world upside down and almost gets him committed to an institution. Many readers consider the second interpretation to be the more interesting, but to view the story in this light is to overlook a very important element. This element is the important role of the community which is the setting of this story. When considering the importance of community, Romero is rightly the main character. Romero brings character to the community with his positive attitude and he is a great role model for the kids in terms of work ethic. In return, the neighbors treat Romero with kindness, loyalty and respect. In a thriving community, everyone must work together and help each other. Sometimes there are people in the community who seem strange to outsiders. They may even seem strange to community members. More peculiar residents may be ridiculed and belittled, but not in Romero's community: he is both respected and treated well, and in return, he treats the community members with consideration. In this way, Romero's situation demands the best from his community, and by demanding the best from herself, he makes the community stronger. Even though Romero wasn't exactly normal, he had a mature attitude towards his job and he always made sure his job was done thoroughly. : "R...... in the middle of a paper... everyone learns to help everyone who needs it and to respect everyone, no matter how strange they may be. These values ​​are strongly reflected in the story of Armas Overall, the reader can see that this community comes together to support Romero, but he manages to teach everyone in the town some important lessons. strong than that of everyone else in the town. Despite his affliction, Romero is still cheerful and full of vitality. Even though he is the "town idiot" according to the conventional definition, he is a blessing to this. works cited Armas, Jose “El Tonto Del Barrio”. Ed. Sylvan Barnet NY: HarperCollins, 1991. Works consulted Armas, Jose. Cuban consciousness in literature: 1923-1974. Universal, 1978.