LITERATURE

- a product of a particular culture that concretizes man’s array of values, emotions, actions, and ideas. It is
therefore a creation of human experiences that tells about people of their world.
-came from Greek word “litera” meaning letter.
DIVISIONS OF LITERATURE
1. PROSE- It is a discourse that uses sentences and paragraphs to express ideas, feelings, and actions.
Short story – It focuses on a single main event, involving one or more characters.
Novel – It is a long narrative divided into chapters.
Legend – This is a fictitious narrative usually about origins, sometimes based on historical people or
events, handed from the past.
Myth – It deals with the stories about gods and goddesses.
- It also deals with origins (origin myths)which present theories and phenomena to explain the
creation of the world.
e. Fable – It is a fictitious story where characters are anthropomorphized or given human qualities.
- Fables illustrate or lead to an interpretation
of a moral lesson
f. Parable – It refers to stories that are usually biblical in nature.
g. Folktale – It refers to a prose narrative primarily told for amusement and instructional value.
h. Biography – It records the facts and events of a person’s life written by another person.
i. Autobiography – It deals with facts and events of a person’s life written by the person himself.
j. Diary – It is a daily record of events and experiences in the author’s life.
k. Play - It is intended to be presented on stage and is divided into acts and scenes.
l. Essay – It is an analytical and interpretative composition about a topic or subject.
m. News – It is an account of everyday events in the society.
2. POETRY- refers to writings in verse with rhythm and rhyme and is characterized by a melodious
tone.
A. Narrative is a form of poetry that is used to tell a story. The poet combines elements of storytelling
—like plot, setting, and characters—with elements of poetry, such as form, meter, rhyme, and poetic
devices.
1.Epic – This is an extended narrative of heroic adventures
2. Ballad – This is the shortest narrative poem which used to be a song accompanying a dance.
B. Lyric poetry refers to a short poem, often with songlike qualities, that expresses the speaker’s
personal emotions and feelings.
Folk songs– These are short poems intended to be sung.
Sonnet – It consists of 14 iambic pentameter lines with a formal rhyme scheme or pattern.
Ode – It expresses lofty praise for some person, place, or event.
Psalm – This is a song that praises God.
Elegy – This expresses lamentation for a dead loved one.
C. Dramatic a poem written in verse (meaning it possesses a metrical rhythm or rhyme) that is meant
to portray a story or situation. Oftentimes, dramatic poetry is acted out, either as a play or as a single
monologue.

Philippine Literature from Pre-Colonial to Contemporary Period

1. PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (__BC TO 1564)
 During this era, literary works displayed a simplicity or primitiveness in their ideologies and
language usage.
Literary Forms
A. Oral Literature
Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits
Proverbs (salawikain) – wise sayings that contain a metaphor used as a food for thought
Tanaga - mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain expressing insights and lessons on life
 Folk songs – it is a form of folk lyric which expresses the hopes and aspirations, the people’s lifestyles,
as well as their loves. These are one of the oldest forms of Philippine Literature that emerged in the pre-
Spanish period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables.
Ex: KUNDIMAN, KUMINTANG O TAGUMPAY, ANG DALIT O IMNO, ANG OYAYI O HELE,
DIANA, SOLIRANING ,TALINDAW

2. SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD (1565-1863)

 Literature during the Spanish colonization was of two classifications: Religious and Secular
 The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman alphabet. Also, the
teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices. European legends and
traditions brought here became assimilated into our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
LITERARY FORMS
1. Religious – these were included in early catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the Spanish
language
a. Pasyon – long narrative poem about the passion and death of Christ
b. Senakulo – dramatization of the pasyon; it shows the passion and death of Christ
“Ang Mahal na Pasyon ni Jesu Cristong Panginoon Natin” – most popular pasyon
2. Secular – non-religious in nature
a. Awit – colorful tales of chivalry made for singing and chanting Ex. Florante at Laura
b. Korido – metrical tale written in octosyllabic quatrains Ex. Ibong Adarna
c. Prose narratives were written to prescribe proper decorum

3. NATIONALISTIC/PROPAGANDA PERIOD (1864-1896)

 This part of our history planted seeds of nationalism in Filipinos
 Language shifted from Spanish to Tagalog
 Addressed the “masa” instead of the “intelligentsia”
LITERARY FORMS
1. Propaganda literature – reformatory in objective
a. Political essays – editorials and news articles were written to attack and expose the evils of
Spanish rule. Ex. Diariong Tagalog – founded by Marcelo del Pilar
La Solidaridad – whose editor-in-chief was Graciano Lopez-Jaena
b. Political novels – Ex. Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – Jose Rizal’s masterpieces that
paved the way to the revolution
2. Revolutionary literature – more violent in nature and demanded complete independence for the
country
a. Political essays Ex. Kalayaan – newspaper of the society, edited by Emilio Jacinto
b. Poetry – Ex. Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas – Andres Bonifacio
Liwanag at Dilim – Emilio Jacinto

4. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1910-1942)

 Free education, many were given a chance to study and English was used as a medium of
instruction. Unlike the Spaniards, Americans were willing to teach the new language to the
Filipino people. Free education served as an instrument to improve the social status of the
people.
 Filipino writers achieved proficiency in English and acquainted themselves with a variety of
literary techniques.
 Poems were characterized by their amateurish and sentimental nature, featuring awkward and
artificial phrasing and diction.
 During this time, literary forms were categorized into three distinct groups.
 5. JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1942-1960)
 Because of strict censorship, literature was minimal during this time. All writings in English
came to an absolute halt. If there was something good about this is that pieces in the vernacular
were given a chance to flourish. The tone of most literary pieces was pessimistic and bitter.
A. War years
 Tagalog poets changed from the usual Balagtas style, using simpler language and trying out free
verse instead.
 Fiction prevailed over poetry. Ex. Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino (1943) – a
compilation of the short story contest by the military government
 Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese liked. It is made up of seventeen (17) syllables
divided into three (3) lines. The first line has five, the second – has seven, and the third – has
five. It is allegorical in meaning, short, and covers a wide scope in meaning.
 Tanaga- like the haiku, it is short but has measure and rhyme. Each line has seventeen syllables
and is also allegorical in meaning.
 Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form) – the usual and common form of poetry

6. CONTEMPORARY/MODERN PERIOD (1960-Present)

 The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the mountain joined the
liberating American Army.
 On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its freedom and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone.
The chains were broken.
 In this period, theater served as a platform for protest, exemplified by the activities of organizations
like PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) and UP Theater.

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ARTIST LITERATURE

National Artists of the Philippines (Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas)
 an order bestowed to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of
Philippine art.
 Originally instituted as an Award, it was elevated to the status of Order in 2003
 Administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines by virtue of President Ferdinand Marcos's
Proclamation № 1001 of April 2, 1972 and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Categories
 Literature – poetry, fiction, essay, playwriting, journalism and/or literary criticism;
 Film and Broadcast Arts – direction, writing, production design, cinematography, editing, camera work,
and/or performance; and
 Architecture, Design and Allied Arts – architecture design, interior design, industrial arts design,
landscape architecture and fashion design.
 Music - composition, direction, and/or performance;
 Dance - choreography, direction and/or performance;
 Theater – direction, performance and/or production design;
 Visual Arts – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works,
illustration, graphic arts, performance art and/or imaging
WRITERS AND LITERARY WORKS
1. Florentino Hornedo
Born on October 16, 1938 in Batanes.Hailing from Savidug, Sabtang, Batanes, Hornedo obtained his BSE
from the University of Santo Tomas in 1961. He received his Masters in English and Philosophy from St.
Louis University in 1966 and 1972 respectively and his Ph.D. in Literature from UST in 1977.
A recipient of Palanca Awards for literature in 1989. His winning essay is entitled,“Discourse of Power in
Florante at Laura”. Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, National Catholic Authors Award,
Pilak Award for Service to Culture, the Arts and Community, of the Cultural Center of the Philippines,
Annual Book Awards of Ateneo de Manila University, Batanes Provincial Achievement Recognition for
 Cultural and Social Research, Recognition Award for Social Research, from the UST College of Education
Alumni Association, and Most Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Awardee in the Arts & Humanities 2006.
Literary Works of Florentino Hornedo
 The Visitors and the Native of the Jeepney and the Tricycle
expressed the idea of “Filipinicity”, where it addressed the idea of the social implications behind the
phrase, “Today’s native was yesterday’s visitor.”
 “Art out of Crisis”, focused on the social issue of the possibilities within the domains for traditional
and contemporary Filipino popular art forms that are in grave jeopardy of decreasing its economic
and social appeal.
2. FERNANDO MARAMAG
 In 1917, he became the editor of Rising Philippines, a daily read by almost every literate Filipino
because of its nationalistic contests. The Philippines Herald and the National Weekly also benefited
from his editorship. He worked as a technical assistant to then Senate President Manuel Luis
Quezon. Maramag published countless poems like “My Queen Tagala,” “The Atheist,” “A Christ
Without a Cross,” “Jose Rizal,” and “The Presentation.”
 He wrote about the history of the English language in the Philippines. This enabled him to mine the
secrets of English poetics, especially its techniques.
 Leopoldo Y. Yabes, a noted literary historian, included seven of Maramag’s works in his book of
Filipino essays in English, which has become a standard textbook in English in Philippine schools
and universities.
3. EDITH L. TIEMPO
 Her poetry is hailed for its witty and complex wordplay.
 Filipino literary scholars recognize the Tiempos as the forerunners of literary criticism and theory in the
Philippines
 In 1978 she received the Elizabeth Luce Moore Distinguished Asian Professor Award; held the L.T.
Ruiz Professorial Chair in English from 1981 to 1989.
 From 1964-1965: faculty at Wartburg College, Iowa; taught at Western Michigan University from 1965
to 1966, and at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist College from 1978 to
1979.
4. José García Villa
 He was a renowned Filipino poet, literary critic, and short story writer known for his innovative and
experimental style. Villa made significant contributions to Philippine literature and gained
international recognition for his works. "Footnote to Youth" is one of his most famous short stories,
exploring themes such as love, marriage, and the consequences of youthful impulsiveness

CONVENTIONAL AND 21ST CENTURY GENRE

21st Century Literature
21st Century Literature refers to new literary work created within the last decade. It is written by contemporary
authors which may deal with current themes/ issues and reflects a technological culture. It often breaks
traditional writing rules.
21st Century Reader
A 21st Century Reader grew up using technology as a primary learning tool. He is capable of navigating and
interpreting digital formats and media messages. He also possesses literacy skills, which include technological
abilities such as keyboarding, internet navigation, interpretation of technological speak, ability to communicate
and interpret coded language and decipher graphics.

21st Century Literature Genres

ILLUSTRATED NOVEL
• Story through text and illustrated images
• 50% of the narrative is presented without words
• The reader must interpret the images to comprehend the story completely.
DIGI-FICTION
• Triple Media Literature -Combines three media: book, movie/video and internet website to get the full story,
students must engage in navigation, reading, and viewing in all three forms.
• Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek and Anthony Zuiker’s Level 26 are examples.

GRAPHIC NOVEL
• Narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the reader using a comic form.
• The term is employed in broadly manner, encompassing non-fiction works and thematically linked short
stories as well as fictional stories across a number of genres. Archie Comics by John Goldwater and illustrator,
Bob Montana, is a good example.

MANGA
• Japanese word for comics
• It is used in the English-speaking world as a generic term for all comic books and graphic novels originally
published in Japan. • Considered as an artistic and storytelling style.
• Ameri-manga- sometimes used to refer to comics created by American artists in manga style.
• Shonen- Boy’s Manga (Naruto, Bleach, One Piece)
• Shojo- Girl’s Manga (Sailormoon)
• Seinen- Men’s Manga (Akira)
• Josei- Women’s Manga (Loveless, Paradise Kiss)
• Kodomo- Children’s Manga (Doraemon, Hello Kitty)

DOODLE FICTION
• Literary presentation where the author incorporates doodle writing, drawings and handwritten graphics in
place of the traditional font.
• Drawing enhances the story, often adding humorous elements
• Examples include The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis. TEXT-

TALK NOVELS
• Blogs, email and IM format narratives
• Stories told almost entirely in dialogue simulating social network exchanges.

CHICK LIT or CHICK LITERATURE

• Is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. • Chick
Lit typically features a female protagonist whose femininity is heavily thermalizing in the plot.
• Scarlet Bailey’s The night before Christmas and Miranda Dickinson’s It started with a Kiss are examples of
this.

FLASH FICTION
• Is a style of fictional literature of extreme brevity
• There is no widely accepted definition of the length and category. It could range from word to a thousand.

CREATIVE NON-FICTION
• Also known as literary non-fiction or narrative non-fiction
• A genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives.
• Contrasts with other non-fiction, such as technical writing or journalism, which is also rooted in accurate fact,
but is not primarily written in service to its craft.
• As a genre, creative non-fiction is still relatively young and is only beginning to be scrutinized with the same
critical analysis given to fiction and poetry.
• 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp and Wind, Sand, and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery are examples.
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, a parallel universe and extra-terrestrial life. • Often explores the
potential consequences of scientific and other innovations and has been called a “literature of ideas”.

BLOG
• A weblog, a website containing short articles called posts that are changed regularly.
• Some blogs are written by one person containing his or her own opinions, interests and experiences, while
others are written by different people.

HYPER POETRY
• Digital poetry that uses links and hypertext mark-up
• It can either involved set words, phrases, lines, etc. that are presented in variable order but sit on the page
much as traditional poetry does, or it can contain parts of the poem that move and transform.
• It is usually found online, through CD-ROM and diskette versions exist. The earliest examples date to no later
than the mid-1980’s

IMAGERY
 language that appeals to the senses
 creating a mental picture using language
 Includes figurative and metaphorical language
Types of Imagery
1. Visual imagery produced by the use of words that appeal to the sense of sight.
Ex.The night was black as ever, but bright stars lit up the sky in beautiful and varied constellations
which were sprinkled across the astronomical landscape.
2. Auditory Imagery produced by the use of words that appeal to the sense of hearing.
Silence was broken by the peal of piano keys as Shannon began practicing her concerto.
(Here, auditory imagery breaks silence with the beautiful sound of piano keys.)
3. Kinesthetic imagery is produced by the use of words that appeal to the actions and movement.
Example: “At last, swooping at a street corner by a fountain, one of its wheels came to a sickening little
jolt, and there was a loud city from a number of voices, and the horses reared and plunged.”
Charles Dickens, excerpt from A Tale of Two Cities.
4. Gustatory: appeals to the sense of taste by describing whether something is sweet, salty, savory, spicy,
or sour.
Example: Her mouth watered, and her tongue burned as she bit into the sour, peppery mango chow.
5. Tactile: appeals to the sense of touch by describing how something physically feels, such as its
temperature, texture, or other sensation.
Example: “And now (how shall I describe it?), now all was still. Still, as when some pain ceases. A
peculiarly perceptible, prickling stillness, as if a wound were healing.” —Rainer Maria Rilke, excerpt
from Journal of My Other Self.
6. Olfactory: appeals to the sense of smell by describing something’s fragrance or odor.
Example:“The flower shop was here and it was my father’s domain, but it was also marvelously other,
this place heavy with the drowsy scent of velvet-petaled roses and Provencal freesias in the middle of
winter, the damp-earth spring fragrance of just-watered azaleas and cyclamen all mixed up with the
headachey smell of bitter chocolate.”—Patricia Hampl, excerpt from The Florist’s Daughter.
7. Organic Imagery: refers to descriptions of internal sensation. When the writer uses concrete description
to show an internal landscape of feelings, pains, emotions, and desires, they’re using organic imagery.
Example:“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep.” Romeo and Juliet by William
Shakespeare
Purposes of Anecdotes
1. To Bring Cheer
 Stories pop up anywhere and these are just sometimes making people laugh to brighten their mood.
Here is an example of an anecdote meant to look back on happy memories:
 During dinner, a Grade 11 student recounted their experience of getting lost and accidentally
attending the wrong class on their first day of school.
2. To Reminisce
 In most anecdotes, people are talking about their experiences in the past. They try to look back
on moments in their lives and share the joy of that time with others. Here is an example of an
anecdote with a hint of reminiscence:
 A mother narrates to her children an anecdote from her teenage years about life in the province.
3. To Caution
 Sometimes, just giving rules for individuals is not effective. Sharing to them frightening stories
of dangers can be helpful for them to realize the possible consequences of their actions. Here is
an example of a cautionary anecdote:
 Before beginning a lecture on not following traffic rules, a father tells his son about an incident
of collision that caused many lives due to ignoring traffic signs.
4. To Persuade or Inspire
 Sometimes, people share stories of how they surpassed their struggles in life. These, most of the
time, give encouragement to others who have been in similar situations. The message usually
conveys success in life as a fruit of hard work. Here is an example of an inspirational anecdote:
 Before commencing a remedial session, the teacher shares with the students a story of a boy
who, despite struggling with reading initially, eventually became proficient in it.
Literary Pieces
APO ON THE WALL- written by BJ PATINO
PADRE FAURA WITNESSES THE EXECUTION OF RIZAL-written by DANTON REMOTO
A LETTER TO PEDRO, US CITIZEN- written by RENE ESTELLA AMPER
PRELUDES-written by DARYL DELGADO
LENGUA PARA DIABLO- written by MERINDA BOBIS