Gonzales, Ken Christian M.

CHAPTER 2:

Historical Background of Philippine Literature

1. Pre-colonial Period

- Some of these pre-colonial literacy pieces showcased in traditional narratives, speeches and songs are
tigmo in Cebuano, bugtong in Tagalog, patototdon is Bicol and paktakon in Ilonggo. Philippine epics and
folk tales are varied and filled with magical characters. They are either narratives of mostly mythical
objects, persons or certain places, or epics telling supernatural events and bravery of heroes, custom
and ideologies of a community.

2. Spanish Colonization Period

- The Spanish culture, as reflected in the works of this literature period, showed a clash with the pre-
colonial Filipino literature in the beginning. However, due to the length of stay of the colonizers, the
Spanish culture was eventually imbued in the Filipino literature of the period. The Filipino literature of
this period became the predecessor of many more literacy works to come in the ages, wherein the
theme of nationalism and freedom of speech would be evident.

3. Nationalistic/Propaganda and Revolutionary Period

- Propaganda is communication that is used primarily to influence an audience and further an agenda,
which may not be objective and maybe presenting facts selectively to encourage a particular synthesis
or perception, or using loaded language to produce an emotional rather than a rational response to the
information. Revolutionary Literature - more propagandistic than literacy as it is more violent in nature
and demanded complete independence for the country.

4. American Colonial Period

- During the American colonization period, Philippine literature reflected the ethos of its people under a
new role. However, these day-to-day experiences under a new foreign influence, as well as sentiments,
were expressed through the English language. Filipino writers imitated English and American models.
Poems written were amateurish and mushy, which phrasing and diction is awkward and artificial.
5. Japanese Occupation

-The Filipino literature was in a period of interruption during the conquer of Japanese. During this time,
there was no freedom of speech and of the press. There were efforts to make escapist literature, but
they were minor. Due to these strict rules, only few literature works were published during the war.

6. Contemporary/Modern Period

- Martial law repressed and curtailed human rights, including freedom of the press. Writers used
symbolism and allegories to drive home their message, at the face of heavy cencorship. Theater was
used as vehicle for protest, such as the PETA (Phil. Educational Theater Association) and UP Theater.
From the eighties onwards, writers continue to show dynamism and innovation