METRO MANILA COLLEGE

U-site, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

WORLD LITERATURE

ACTIVITY NO. 1

Instructions: Submit your activity as MS Word file via Gmail (ruthaquino2323@gmail.com)

until 10 pm tonight, June 30. Indicate “WORLD LIT ACT 1” on the subject line. We will
discuss your answers on Friday. 

A. Review: Philippine Literature

1. Describe the distinctive characteristics of Philippine literature during the

following eras:

a. Spanish Colonization - At the time of the invasion and conversion to

Christianity, the Philippine ethnic groups' literature was primarily oral,
consisting of epics, legends, ballads, riddles, and proverbs. The Spanish
colonial strategy was to subvert the indigenous oral tradition by substituting
the Passion of Christ account. By promising eternal life to all, he
democratized the capacity to rise above death.

b. American Colonization - Two key advances in education and culture fueled

Philippine literary creativity during the American Period in the Philippines.
The first is the establishment of free public education for all children of school
age, and the second is the use of English as the medium of teaching in public
schools at all levels. Knowledge and information become more available to a
larger number of Filipinos as a result of free public education. Those who
received this knowledge at college were able to increase their social status and
join a large group of educated people who eventually became part of the
country's middle class.

c. Japanese Colonization - Philippine Literature was stopped in its development

between 1941 and 1945 when we were once again occupied by another
foreign power, Japan. English-language Philippine literature has come to a
halt. The Japanese shut down practically all English-language newspapers,
with the exception of the Tribune and the Philippine Review, Pillars, Free
Philippines, and Filipina. There was no freedom of expression or of the press
at the period. Filipino writing during the Japanese occupation was bleak and
 METRO MANILA COLLEGE
U-site, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

nasty, according to Victoria Abelardo. Although there were some attempts at

escapist literature, the literary output was generally tiny and negligible. Few
literary works were printed during the war years due to tight censorship.

d. Literature under the Republic - Poems written under the Third Republic were
passionate and revolutionary in nature. Writers expressed their dissatisfaction
with the government in open letters. The people's supplications were tutored
in flamboyant, colorful, violent, obscene, and demeaning language.

2. Name three (3) Philippine literary masterpieces that left deep and lasting
impressions on you. Share the insights and life lessons you have gained
from the selections.

Selection 1: Noli Me Tangere. Dr. Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tángere was written in 1884 and
completed and distributed in 1887 with the support of Dr. Maximo Viola. It emphasizes the
social structure of the Philippines. Filipinos awoke from their enslavement by Spaniards as a
result of this story, and began to struggle and sacrifice for their own liberation. I've understood
that being brave and a fighter has nothing to do with your physical appearance or being a war
freak, but rather with how you protect and secure your loved ones without putting them in
danger.

Selection 2: El Filibusterismo. Dr. Jode Rizal's filibusterismo was started in 1890 and finished in
1891 with Valentine Ventura's help. Rizal believes that the three martyr priests, also known as
Gomburza (Fr. Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora), who were executed and
slaughtered by Spaniards, were done so out of selfishness and a thirst for power. The subject of
this work is on how ridiculous Philippine politics were. In this story, I've recognized that the
Philippines' structure has always been inadequate, which is why we have been unable to unite as
a nation owing to warring among ourselves.
 METRO MANILA COLLEGE
U-site, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Selection 3: Florante at Laura. Florante at Laura is considered by Dr. Jose Rizal (the Philippine
National Hero) to be the best awit (type of Filipino poetry) of his day. It was composed as a
portrayal of the country's circumstances during the Spanish control. During Francisco Baltazar's
captivity in Pandacan, Manila, he wrote this literary gem (he used the pseudonym Francisco
Balagtas). Florante at Laura was reported to be the result of Balagtas' heartbreak following the
death of the woman he adored, whom he described to as "Celia." This novel focuses on the
portrayal of the Filipino people's struggles under the harsh Spanish colonial authority. The novel
has taught me how brutal the colonizers were in the past. because some of our best novelists
were actually concerned on how Spaniards utilized their freedom to live lives of ludicrous power
and want, where love could not be felt or seen.

B. World Literature

1. How is Philippine literature different from foreign literary works?

Foreign literature focuses on how cultures, traditions, and customs are established and
mixed into other countries, but Philippine literature focuses on how colonists took the
Filipinos' independence and also how silly and ridiculous the Philippines' system was in
the past.

2. Which do you prefer, classical or contemporary literary selections? Why?

Classical literature laid the groundwork for how lovely today's literature is. As a result,
I'd like to choose both because it enlightens me and highlights how excellent literature is.

3. What is the most remarkable foreign literature you have read? Will you encourage
others to read it as well? Why or why not?
 METRO MANILA COLLEGE
U-site, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

It is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. This work is infused with musical elements, which drew my
attention to its vivid happenings. Its moral values are focus on Love, honesty, forgiveness,
sacrifice, justice and injustice. If I have the opportunity to spread the word, I would advise
everyone to see it, not only for its beautiful and engaging flow, but also for the lessons that will
be imparted to everyone.

4. What is the impact and contribution of studying global literary masterpieces to the
following:

a. Students- Every masterpiece has its own contributions and teachings, so it would
benefit every student in terms of life experience and student life in general.

b. Society- Literature will serve as a mirror for society's errors and messes, allowing
society to reflect on and learn from its history through the golden teachings and
realizations found in literature.

c. The World - Every masterpiece has its own individuality and secret based on the
novelist's experiences and feelings, thus it's important to stand out and be
remembered, especially in terms of historical events. It would also be known how
lovely each country's traditions and customs are, which would foster mutual
respect.