PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

ACTIVITY NO. 1.2

1. In your own perspective what is the importance of studying Philippine Literature?
We study literature so that we can better appreciate our literary heritage. We cannot appreciate
something that we do not understand. Through a study of our literature, we can trace the rich
heritage of ideas handed down to us from our forefathers. Then we can understand ourselves
better and take pride in being a Filipino.
Like other races of the world, we need to understand that we have a great and noble tradition
which can serve as the means to assimilate other cultures.
Through such a study, we will realize our literary limitations conditioned by certain historical
factors and we can take steps to overcome them.
Above all, as Filipino, who truly love and take pride in our own culture, we have to manifest our
deep concern for our own literature and this we can do by studying the literature of our country.
In order to know the history of a nation's spirit, one must read its literature. Hence it is, that to
understand the real spirit of a nation, one must "trace the little rills as they course along down the
ages, broadening and deepening into the great ocean of thought which men of the present source
are presently exploring".
2. In your own word, define Literature
Simply put, literature represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The concept
is difficult to precisely define, though many have tried; it's clear that the accepted definition of
literature is constantly changing and evolving.
For many, the word literature suggests a higher art form; merely putting words on a page doesn't
necessarily equate to creating literature. A canon is the accepted body of works for a given
author. Some works of literature are considered canonical, that is, culturally representative of a
particular genre (poetry, prose, or drama).

3. What is the difference between Prose and poetry?

Prose and poetry are the two common forms of literature; wherein prose is written work, which
contains sentences and paragraphs, and does not have any metrical structure. As
against, poetry is a genre of literature which is based on a particular form, that creates a rhyme.
The basic difference between prose and poetry is that we have sentences and paragraphs,
whereas lines and stanzas can be found in a poetry. Further, there is regular writing in prose, but
there is a unique style of writing a poetry.
We can find prose in newspaper articles, blogs, short stories, etc., however, poetry is used to
share something special, aesthetically. 
4.In your own opinion, which is better Prose or Poetry?
 I think it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to know more about history, science,
philosophy, etc., the prose is probably better.

If you want to “feel” what you’re reading, and to be moved by what you’re reading, then poetry
is better. 

5. In your own opinion, between the three types of poetry, which is the best type and why?

For me the best is Narrative poetry is poetry that tells a story. Narrative poetry is one of the
oldest forms of poetry and predates literacy. It was often used in ancient societies as a means of
recording oral history, genealogy, and law because its formal meter and rhyme scheme made it
easier to memorize than prose. Narrative poems are featured in many sacred scriptures, including
the Bible, and were the primary method of telling stories before the advent of the short story and
the novel. It is widely believed that poetry had its origins in song, and many ancient epics,
including those of Homer, and many medieval ballads were originally sung or recited to musical
accompaniment.