Philippine History and Literature

Lesson One – Introduction to Philippine Literature

Exploring Philippines Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and Traditions

Philippine literature is as rich and diverse as the 7500 plus islands that make up our archipelago.
This is not surprising considering that we have 183 living languages (ethnologue.com) across 17 regions
comprised of 82 provinces. One can only imagine the many forms of artistic communication (oral or
written) that have been passed on to and through generations, communities, and groups. Then and
now, literature in the Philippines have come in various genres (forms) and have been appreciated and
analyzed for their forms, elements, structures, and traditions.

Introduction to Philippine Literature

The origin of Philippine literature can only be traced by exploring its evolution from pre-colonial
up to the present. Thus, studying the past becomes imperative in understanding the literature of the
present. Different genres that appeared from each period seem to reflect the place, language, culture,
social and ethnic dimensions of literature produced. The nature and essence of literature has evolved
over time. Traditionally, literature was strictly viewed as any form of written works especially during the
18th century. Today, its definition and scope can be considered more restrictive for there are certain
standards set by some critiques before a work can be considered as a body of literature. Among the
common words used by scholars and other sources that are associated to literature are excellence,
expression, experience, artistry, and imagination. Its connection to human life and experiences, wherein
audience can easily relate with, is the major characteristic of literature. Emerging habitually into quality
literary works will help us gain better understanding of people, society, and culture.

The Literary Forms in Philippine Literature

What is literature? Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material.
Derived from the Latin word literature meaning "writing formed with letters," literature most commonly
refers to works of the creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some
instances, journalism, and song. Esther Lomabardi (2001) The world is constantly evolving with time and
significant events in our country’s history so is literature. With the emergence of new genres, the birth
of contemporary writers, and different platforms used in the 21st century, many forms of literature are
now being recognized. Old forms of literature in print should not be forgotten or replaced but rather be
acknowledged and be considered as the basis of the new forms of literature that we are now enjoying
today. Modern-day writers are more confident in expressing their artistry at the same time being able to
retain their style and techniques of writing at the same time retaining their sense of nationalism. Various
methods are employed by the present-day Filipino authors to reach a wider audience across the globe in
this Internet age. Since writers can reach wider readers from around the world, they can exchange
thoughts and ideas through discussion on women’s rights and LGBTQIA plus that deals with the concept
of self and its relation to the body, mind, and soul. Identity is one of the common topics in today’s
literature.

History is an important part of literature. Thus, present-day readers can depict history and
memory from the works of contemporary writers. An example of which is “The Safe House” by Sandra
Nicole Roldan wherein readers were able to glean society and relationships during the Martial Law era
through the mind of the main character. Technology is one of the themes in literature since it has
become a part of our daily life. Although some writers may view that there is a demise in humanity as a
result of technology and others as beneficial effects in the future could be reflected in their work.

21st Century Philippine literature is an important part of the curriculum amongst young Filipinos
like you who can mirror yourselves through the works of the modern day writers. Thus, being inspired
and being aware of the new ideas and being open to new perspectives in life.

Two Major Forms of Literature

1. Poetry

This literary type is usually written in lines and is characterized by having the element of rhythm,
sound, imagery, and form. Its main purpose is to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas. It can be divided
into three types: narrative, dramatic, and lyrical poetry.

a. Narrative Poetry. This poetry tells a story and has the elements of a narrative such as
characters, setting, conflict, etc.

b. Dramatic Poetry. This is an emotionally appealing drama written in verse that tells a
story and is intended to be recited or sung in front of the audience by a character speaking in
poetry.

c. Lyric Poetry. It is the most common type of poetry that focuses on expressing feelings
rather than telling a story.

2. Prose

In contrast to poetry, this literary piece applies a natural flow of speech and grammatical
structures which are mainly consisting of complete sentences arranged logically and sequentially in a
paragraph form.

a. Fiction. This serves as a product of the writer's wild imagination and creative thinking
where the characters react to the conflict and various issues central to the main idea of a
literary work. Its three types are: short story, novel, and novella. The main genres are crime,
fantasy, romance, science fiction, western, inspirational, historical fiction and horror.

b. Non-fiction. These are stories inspired by real events where the writers aim to
present, interpret, or describe experiences based on facts. The judgments, opinions, and
commentaries of the writers may be presented in the form of essays, journals, diaries, feature
articles, editorials, and the like.
POETRY

Narrative poetry

Story told in verse. Narrative poems often have: • plot, beginning, middle, end • character •
setting • problem and solution.

Epic poetry

An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and events that are
significant to the culture of the poet. Many ancient writers used epic poetry to tell tales of intense
adventures and heroic feats. Some of the most famous literary masterpieces in the world were written
in the form of epic poetry.

Epic poems were particularly common in the ancient world because they were ideal for
expressing stories orally. These works continue to be well regarded today. Many high school students
read famous examples of epic poetry, such as Gilgamesh and The Iliad.

The Epic of Gilgamesh. The epic story of the Babylonian hero Gilgamesh is one of the first
recorded examples of an epic poem. Gilgamesh was written on clay tablets in cuneiform by a priest
named Sin-leqi-unninni. Many scholars believe that Sin-leqi-unninni was inspired by Babylonian and
Sumerian tales about a real-life king who ruled between 2700 and 2500 B.C.E.

Illiad and Odyssey. The Iliad tells the story of the Greek struggle to rescue Helen, a Greek
queen, from her Trojan captors. The Odyssey takes the fall of the city of Troy as its starting point and
crafts a new epic around the struggle of one of those Greek warriors, the hero Odysseus.

Ballad Poetry

A ballad is a form of narrative verse that is considered either poetic or musical. As a literary
device, a ballad is a narrative poem, typically consisting of a series of four-line stanzas. Ballads were
originally sung or recited as an oral tradition among rural societies and were often anonymous retellings
of local legends and stories by wandering minstrels in the Middle Ages. These traditional or “folk”
ballads are sometimes referred to as “popular” ballads. Literary ballads are deliberate creations by poets
in imitation of the form and spirit of a traditional ballad.

Metrical Tales

A Metrical Tale is a type of poem which follows a narrative format; featuring characters, a plot,
setting and a theme. This kind of compositions conveys practical, apparent and straightforward
storylines of either real event. The topics vary from romance, the quest for adventure, love, and various
phases of life.

DRAMATIC POETRY

Dramatic Monologue

Dramatic monologue (druh-MAT-ik MON-uh-log) is a literary form where the writer takes on the
voice of a character and speaks through them. Although dramatic monologues also occur in theater and
prose, the term most frequently refers to a poetic form where the poet creates a character who speaks
without interruption.
Soliloquy

A soliloquy (q.v.) is a type of monologue in which a character directly addresses an audience or

speaks his thoughts aloud while alone or while the other actors keep silent.

PROSE

FICTION

Short Story

short story, brief fictional prose narrative that is shorter than a novel and that usually
deals with only a few characters.

Novel

novel, an invented prose narrative of considerable length and a certain complexity that
deals imaginatively with human experience, usually through a connected sequence of events
involving a group of persons in a specific setting.

The Women Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic

It tells the story of an elite Filipina who is hallucinating, and is preoccupied with the
notion that she has two navels or belly buttons in order to be treated as an extraordinary
person. *5 chapter

Legend

legend, traditional story or group of stories told about a particular person or place.
Formerly the term legend meant a tale about a saint. Legends resemble folktales in content;
they may include supernatural beings, elements of mythology, or explanations of natural
phenomena, but they are associated with a particular locality or person and are told as a matter
of history.

Fable

fable, narrative form, usually featuring animals that behave and speak as human beings,
told in order to highlight human follies and weaknesses. A moral—or lesson for behavior—is
woven into the story and often explicitly formulated at the end.

NON-FICTION

Biography

A biography, also called a bio, is a non-fiction piece of work giving an objective account
of a person’s life. Biographies include details of key events that shaped the subject’s life, and
information about their birthplace, education, work, and relationships. Biographers use a
number of research sources, including interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, essays,
reference books, and newspapers. While a biography is usually in the written form, it can be
produced in other formats such as music composition or film. Example: Abraham Lincoln’s Life
by John Williams
Autobiography

An autobiography is the story of a person’s life written by that person. Because the
author is also the main character of the story, autobiographies are written in the first person.
Usually, an autobiography is written by the person who is the subject of the book, but
sometimes the autobiography is written by another person. Because an autobiography is usually
a life story for the author, the theme can be anything from religious to a personal account to
pass on to children. Example: My Life: Abraham Lincoln

Narrative essay

A narrative essay is a type of essay that has a single motif, or a central point, around
which the whole narrative revolves. All incidents, happenings, and characters revolve around a
single motif presented in the narrative. A narrative essay is similar to a simple five-paragraph
essay, in that it has the same format. It is only different in that it is a narrative, having
characters, incidents, and dialogues.

James Baldwin's collection of essays, Notes of a Native Son, with the individual essays
having been originally written during the 1940s and 1950s, gives readers a thoughtful
commentary on the social environment in the United States in the era of the Civil Rights
Movement. Through the eyes and mind of one of America's most effective essayists, the
conditions of being an African American living in a society that is grappling with the
consequences of racial discrimination are witnessed firsthand. The subjects of his essays vary as
Baldwin ponders his own reactions to the significance of the so-called protest novel to the
circumstances that led many African-American writers of his time to become expatriates.

Memoir

A memoir essay is a first-person narrative drawn from the author's own life. A memoir
essay is, by definition, a true story. Like other forms of creative nonfiction, though, memoir
essay writing makes use of many of the literary devices and techniques of fiction.

Diaries

a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.

Journal

a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.

 Genre refers to the forms of literature. The general ones are oral and written. The main types
are prose and poetry. There are many other forms that have sprung through the years. Specifically, it is
defined in the curriculum guide as something that “may be determined by literary technique, tone,
content, or even (as in the case of fiction) length. The distinctions between genres and categories are
flexible and loosely defined, often with subgroups. The most general genres in literature are (in loose
chronological order) epic, tragedy, comedy, and creative nonfiction. They can all be in the form of prose
or poetry. Additionally, a genre such as satire, allegory or pastoral might appear in any of the above, not
only as a sub-genre, but as a mixture of genres. Finally, they are defined by the general cultural
movement of the historical period in which they were composed. Genre should not be confused with
age categories, by which literature may be classified as either adult, young-adult, or children's. They also
must not be confused with format, such as graphic novel or picture book.”

Epic - a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical
hero Example; The Illiad and Odyssey

Tragedy - a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one
concerning the downfall of the main character. Example: Titanic directed by James Cameron (Jack and
Rose)

Comedy - is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or

amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or
any other entertainment medium. Example: The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Melodrama - is a story or play in which there are a lot of exciting or sad events and in which
people's emotions are very exaggerated. Example: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (The ending is a mix of
both happiness and hope for Nora, and sadness and despair for Torvald

Musical Drama - refer to plays in which characters engage in dialogue but also include scenes in
which the passion of the character is so great he expresses himself in song. Example : Les Miserables,
High School Musical

Farce - is a type of broad comedy. It depends less on a narrative storyline and more on physical
humor, sight gags, silly jokes. Example : Bubble Gang

Opera - are dramas in which the characters sing each line rather than speaking. The entire
production is set to a musical score. Example :Zarzuela

Literary structure refers to the organizational method used in literature in which the most
common type is the narrative. Parts of the narrative structure (or plot) are the exposition- is the
passages which explain where events take place, what happened before the story begins, and the
background of the characters. rising action- starts right after the period of exposition and ends at the
climax. Beginning with the inciting incident, rising action is the bulk of the plot. It is composed of a series
of events that build on the conflict and increase the tension, sending the story racing to a dramatic
climax. climax-is the highest point of tension or drama in a narratives’ plot. Often, climax is also when
the main problem of the story is faced and solved by the main character or protagonist. falling action-
occurs after the turning point of the climax, and signifies that the story's main conflict is coming to a
close. Ideally, it resolves any loose ends in the plot and shows the aftermath of the climax. Falling action
also typically leads to the resolution, which is the end of the story. resolution (denouement). -where a
character within literature solves a problem. It is a single action that occurs at one specific point in time,
and usually is part of the climax or falling action of a story. A denouement means that all problems
within the plot have been solved and the story can end.

Literary elements refer “to particular identifiable characteristics of a whole text. They are not
“used,” per se, by authors; they represent the elements of storytelling which are common to all literary
and narrative forms. For example, every story has a theme, a setting, a conflict, and has a particular
point-of-view, etc. In order to be discussed legitimately as part of a textual analysis, literary elements
must be specifically identified for that particular text. The common elements of a story are setting,
character, conflict, theme, point of view, and plot. Plot also has its own elements such as exposition,
rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution or denouement /ˌdeɪˈnuːmɒ̃/. In poetry, there are
four essential elements: form, imagery, rhythm, and sound. Poetry comes in different forms such as
whether it is free verse, couplet, limerick, etc. Imagery on the other hand is the reason why we see
pictures in words and it adds color in any types of literature especially in poetry. Rhythms and sounds
are somehow similar. In fact, rhythm falls under the broad category sound. While sound deals with the
common use of rhymes and other literary devices such as repetition (repeating of words, phrases, or
lines), alliteration (repeating same consonant sounds), assonance (repeating same vowel sounds), and
onomatopoeia (the use of the actual sound to represent someone or something), rhythm is more
concerned with the flow of the beat such as whether it is fast or slow. In general, both sounds and
rhythms are the key ingredients that give poetry a musical effect.

Aside from poetry, many forms of literature can be classified according to its period in Philippine
history which has a strong effect on Filipino literary writers’ ability since ancient times until these days.
Some of the old forms of prose and poetry are being modified by modern-day writers through their
creative imagination while new forms of literature are arising with the advent of technology.

THREE PERIODS IN THE LITERARY HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Historically speaking, Philippine literature can be divided into three most important periods:
precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial.

All literary works produced before the Spanish colonization such as chants, proverbs, songs, and
folk narratives are considered under pre-colonial period which are mostly of oral traditions. This is not
because early Filipinos did not have system of writing yet but due to the unavailability of printing
materials. Life was simple and so is literature during this period. If we have phones and other forms of
technology to entertain us, our ancestors had literature for recreation who were noted for being music
lover as more than 10 types of songs in various Philippine languages were discovered. Our forefathers
also valued words of wisdom for teaching values as evidenced by numerous proverbs or salawikain.
Story telling was used to explain phenomenon and to teach lessons as well. Having bugtong or riddles
was also a favorite past time and listening to narratives of bravery, magic, and heroism in epics was a
box office hit.

The focus of literature suddenly changed upon the arrival of Spaniards. An emphasis on morality
and religion was common in literary forms such as Corrido, Pasyon, and Cenaculo. The production of
printed materials started but it was mostly of religious purposes and themes. It was made in an attempt
to instill traditional Spanish ways and cultures among the native Filipinos. Despite this indoctrination,
native tradition still survived and flourished especially for areas where the colonial power was less
popular. Literacy paved the way to develop sense of nationalism among Filipinos during the latter part of
Spanish colonization. Filipinos started to write about oppression, corruption, and other social ills such as
in the works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal entitled Noli Me Tangere and its sequel El Filibusterismo.

The literary production during the American Period was inspired by the developments in
education and culture. Knowledge and information became accessible to all Filipinos because of the free
public education. During the apprenticeship period, the Filipino writers imitated English and American
models. All forms of literature were explored by Filipino writers. During this period, short stories were
the most prevalent literary form. With the new knowledge of English language, many writers started to
gain recognition both locally and internationally like Jose Garcia Villa who earned the International title,
“Poet of the Century" as an example.

Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when we were conquered by Japan
between 1941- 1945 since freedom of expression was uncommon back then. Filipino writers in the
Philippines were forbidden to write anything against the government and only those who were in exile
had the privilege to do so. As a result of banning the English language, short stories written in the
vernaculars flourished in the country.

The three most influential foreign invaders to the types of literature produced during colonial
periods are Spanish, American, and Japanese wherein the common themes and subject mostly tackle
about oppression, religion, freedom, or anything that reflects the experiences of Filipino people under
the colonizers. The influences brought to us by colonial periods are said to have been extended up to
the postcolonial periods especially in social and cultural dimensions. Post-colonial is the period after the
rebirth of freedom in the Philippines up to the present. One of the most unforgotten and controversial
periods during this era is having Martial Law during the Marcos regime. (poverty; injustice; activism;
social issues ).All of the periods mentioned are essential towards understanding the types of literature
being produced in the Philippines..

Pre- Colonial Period

The early literary forms of the Philippines epic, legends, riddles and proverbs which were told
and retold by the natives. The literature of pre- colonial Filipino bore the marks of the community.
Filipinos manage to preserved law legends , song and epics by inscribing them on barks of tree, palm
leaves and bamboo. Some of the literary forms have managed to survived war and tropical disaster
because they retained in the common minds and were later reduced to permanent form.

Literary Forms • Riddle (Bugtong) Example: “Hindi tao, hindi hayop, pumupulupot sa tiyan mo.” -
sinturon Example: Araw – araw nabubuhay , taon – taon namamatay. – kalendaryo. Example: What gets
wet when drying ? - towel • Proverb (Salawikain) Example: “Kung anong puno, siyang bunga.” Example:
“Action speak louder than words”.

As shown in the table that follows, literary forms in literature are divided into the following era;
(1) Pre-colonial times, (2) Spanish colonial tradition, (3) American colonial period, and Contemporary
Period.
 Philippine literature is highly influenced by our history. What are the significant events in
Philippine Literature? The historical events in our country played a significant role that facilitated the
evolution of the 21st-century literature in the Philippines. We can experience a better appreciation of
how Philippine literature has developed through a better understanding of our country’s culture,
traditions, and history that have shaped and have awakened the sense of pride of being nationalistic of
the presentday writers, artists, and journalists.

Pre Colonial Times

o The pre-colonial inhabitants were able to showcase the rich culture of Filipinos through oral
performance of folk songs, folk narratives, folk and speeches were reflection of the early life of the
Filipinos.

o The earliest forms of literature were written in our system of writing which is baybayin,
consisting of 3 vowels and 14 consonants.

o Ancient ethnic rituals and dances established Filipinos’ strong connection with its neighboring
countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Arabia through trading.

Spanish Colonial Period

o The Spanish conquistadors used the Roman alphabet to replace Alibata, the first Filipino
alphabet in recording the oral forms of literature of our early inhabitants.

o Oral traditions such as epics, proverbs, riddles, and songs were the oral form of literature still
flourished at that time and were collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects in certain areas
where colonial power is inaccessible.

o The conversion of Filipinos to Christianity was a great influence in the lives of the people and
religious themes dominated our literature.

o The literary works during this time were imitative of the Spanish theme, forms, and traditions.

o Some Spanish words were lent in our language when the Spanish language became the literary
language.

American Colonial Period

o The introduction of free public education for children of school age was introduced.

o Usage of English as a medium of instruction in all levels of education in public schools was
implemented.

o New forms of literature such as free verse in poetry, critical essay, and modern short story
were discovered during this era.

o Philippine literature prospered in English at the same time Filipino literary writers were faced
with the introduction of New Aesthetics but "indirectly engendered a disparaging attitude" towards
vernacular writing and sometimes sacrificing their social consciousness.
 Post-war and Contemporary Period

o Philippine literature continued to flourish through the use of various languages particularly
with the rise of the new publication after the Martial Law years.

o There was a rebirth of devoted literature in the 1960s and 1970s wherein writers continued to
write poetry, short stories, novels, and essays. o Literary awards emerged such as the Don Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Home Life, and
Panorama literary awards to recognize the works of the Filipino writers.

o The usual themes of contemporary writers in the 21st century are identity, history, memory,
and technology. Different approaches are employed by the writers in exploring different themes such as
love, sex, family, and religion. With easier access to technology, writers become socially aware and use
digital platforms in expressing themselves in this age of technology