Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel, Inc.

Founded 1993
Area E, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines
Recognized by the Government: DepEd, TESDA and CHED; PACUCOA Level II Accredited
Call and/or Text: 0915 532 2643/ Telefax No: (044) 760 0301 / (044)760 0397

Philippine Literature from Pre-Colonial Period to Contemporary Period

THE AMERICAN PERIOD

The Philippine public school system was introduced. Free public education was given to Filipinos. The

literature during the American period was considered as imitative of American model. Instead of asking the

students to write originals, students end up following the form of American poets.

Forms of Literature in the American Period

1. Poetry- its contents ranged from free writing to societal concerns under the Americans.

2. Drama- was usually used in the American period to degrade the Spanish rule and to immortalize the

heroism of the men who fought under the Katipunan.

3. Remake Novels – took up Dr. Jose Rizal’s portrayal of social conditions by colonial repression.

JAPANESE PERIOD

JAPANESE LITERATURE The Philippine literature came to a halt. The use of English language was

forbidden and the use of Filipino language was mandated under the Japanese rule. Filipino literature was

given a break during this period. Many wrote plays, short stories etc. about life in the province.

Forms of Literature in the Japanese Period

1. Poetry- the common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was nationalism, country,

love and life in the barrios, faith, religion and the arts.

2. Fiction- the field of the short story widened during the Japanese occupation. Many wrote short stories.

3. Drama- the drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing

American films were closed. Many of the big movie houses were made to show stage plays. Those were

reproductions of English plays to Tagalog.

4. Newspaper- writings that came out during this period were journalistic in nature. Writers felt suppressed

but eventually the spirit of nationalism started to seep into their consciousness. 5. Essays- were composed

to glorify the Filipinos and at the same time to figuratively attack the Japanese.
 Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel, Inc.
Founded 1993
Area E, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines
Recognized by the Government: DepEd, TESDA and CHED; PACUCOA Level II Accredited
Call and/or Text: 0915 532 2643/ Telefax No: (044) 760 0301 / (044)760 0397

THE REPUBLIC

The Republic Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the writings

dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the Japanese government and the brave guerilla

exploits.

THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1946 – 1970) The Americans returned in 1945. On July 4, 1946, the

Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.

THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1946 – 1970) Newspapers and magazine publications were re-opened like

the Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang Ilang and Sinag Tala. Tagalog poetry acquired not only rhyme but substance

and meaning. Short stories had better characters and events based on facts and realities and themes were

more meaningful. Novels became common but were still read by the people for recreation.

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE

21st Century Literature -new literary works created within the last decade -from January 2001 up to the

present -deals with current themes and reflects technological culture.

-often breaks traditional writing

- refers to world literature in prose produced during the 21st century. - Readers

grew up with technology.

-readers are capable of navigating and interpreting digital formats.

21st Century Literary Genres

1. ILLUSTRATED NOVEL -story through text and illustrated images

2. DIGI- FICTION -triple media literature. It combines three media: book, movie/video, and internet

website.

3. GRAPHIC NOVELS - narratives in comic book formats. It is more artistic and heavily illustrated.

4. MANGA -a Japanese word for comics. It is used in the English-speaking world as a generic term for all

comic books and graphics novels originally published in Japan.

5. DOODLE FICTION -literary presentation where the author incorporates doodle writing and drawings,

and handwritten graphics in place of traditional font.

 Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel, Inc.
Founded 1993
Area E, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines
Recognized by the Government: DepEd, TESDA and CHED; PACUCOA Level II Accredited
Call and/or Text: 0915 532 2643/ Telefax No: (044) 760 0301 / (044)760 0397

6. CHICK LIT - is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and

lightheartedly.

7. FLASH FICTION -is a style of fictional literature of extreme brevity Ernest Hemingway: For sale: baby

socks, never worn. Margaret Atwood : Longed for him. Got him. Shit

8. SCIENCE FICTION -is a genre of speculative fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as

futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, faster than light travel, parallel universe and

extraterrestrial life.

SCIENCE FICTION -is a genre of speculative fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as

futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, faster than light travel, parallel universe and

extraterrestrial life.

Activity:

1. After looking into the events that shaped Philippine Literary landscape, we may find that we have

become a society of various or heterogeneous traditions. Is this an advantage or disadvantage?

Explain your answer.

2. Give atleast 3 examples of 21st Century Literary Genres.