REGIONAL APPROACH

TO READING
LITERATURE
Why do you think Manila is
progressing faster as
compared to other regions in
the Philippines?
 Why do you think most
people tend to privilege the
“popular and sophisticated”
literature of Manila?
Explain the “Manila centric”
view of reading Philippine
literature?
•What is the “challenge”
to us as readers?
•What is the role of 21st
century technology in this
regard?
Lesson 2
Text and Context
My brother is enthralled to
birds similar to the way I
am fascinated by insects.
 Angela did not want to go to
the party. She wanted to study
for the exam, but her sister
nagged her so much that
Angela finally acquiesced and
agreed to go.
 The workers wrote an
anonymous letter to their boss
in which they expressed their
grievances: long working
hours, low pay, and dangerous
working conditions.
 The children were as
different as day and night.
He was a lively
conversationalist, but she
was reserved and taciturn.
 I’m through with blind
dates forever. What a dull
evening! I was bored
every minute. The
conversation was
absolutely vapid.
DANTON REMOTO
• A Filipino writer,
essayist, reporter,
columnist and editor
• Professor at ADMU
• Hails from Pampanga
(R III)
• Three-time CCP
awardee for poetry
 Padre Faura Witnesses the
Execution of Rizal
I stand on the roof Months ago,
Of the Ateneo Pepe came to me
municipal, In the observatory.
Shivering I thought we would
On this December talk
morning.
 Padre Faura Witnesses the
Execution of Rizal
About the stars (His cheeks still
That do not collide ruddy
In the sky: From the sudden sun
Instead, he asked After the bitter
me about purgatory winter
In Europe)
 Padre Faura Witnesses the
Execution of Rizal
And on this day A blur
With the years Between the soldiers
beginning to turn, With their Mausers
Salt stings my eyes. raised
I see Pepe, And the early
morning’s
Padre Faura Witnesses the
Execution of Rizal
Star:
Still shimmering
Even if millions of
miles away,
The star itself

Is already dead.
 Padre Faura Witnessed the
Execution of Rizal
• To whom is the poem addressed?
• What was the feeling displayed
by the author in the poem?
• What was the message that
Danton Remoto wants to convey
in this poem?
 How did you
understand the poem?
 Context
• Context is derived from the notion of
“weaving together”.

• This pertains to the circumstances that form

the setting of events, statements, or ideas
and in the way of which it can be fully
understood or assessed.
 Context
• “The environment in which the
text was produced, the
environment in which the text
was set, or the environment in
which the text is read.”
 Types of Context
1. Writer’s Context
2. Reader’s Context
3. Socio-cultural Context
 Author’s Context
• The important events surrounding
the author that have helped to shape
the decisions that are made in the
text
• Writer’s life, values, assumptions,
gender, race, sexual orientation,
and political and economic issues
related to the author
 INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me
Black as a pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed.
 Author’s Context
At the age of 12, Henley suffered from
tubercular infection which progressed to his
foot a few years later. His doctor suggested
amputating below his knee to save his life at
the age of 25. He had to undergo a similar
operation to his other leg.
In the hospital, he wrote the poem,
“Invictus”, in 1875. Although Henley was
handicapped, he led an active life and died at
the age of 53.
 Author’s Context
At the age of 12, Henley suffered from
tubercular infection which progressed to his
foot a few years later. His doctor suggested
amputating below his knee to save his life at
the age of 25. He had to undergo a similar
operation to his other leg.
In the hospital, he wrote the poem,
“Invictus”, in 1875. Although Henley was
handicapped, he led an active life and died at
the age of 53.
 EARNEST WISH (Excerpt)
I will I will
Count the multitude Listen to the sound
of stars of breeze
The leaves in all the
To the rustling of
branches
leaves
The flock of birds
perched in the loft To the chirping of
The blades of grass birds
in the meadow To the buzzing of
 About the Author
Lydia Sapitanan-Villanueva
hails from the agricultural town of
Imus, Cavite. Her parents were
farmers and her residence is in the
midst of the agricultural property of
her in-laws in Malagasang 1A, City
of Imus.
 About the Author
Lydia Sapitanan-Villanueva
hails from the agricultural town of
Imus, Cavite. Her parents were
farmers and her residence is in the
midst of the agricultural property of
her in-laws in Malagasang 1A, City
of Imus.
 About the Author
During the pandemic and
during community quarantine, Dr.
Villanueva wrote several poems
including Earnest Wish. Her
profound love for writing started
during her primary years. She
always believes that experiences
and surroundings play a strong
 About the Author
During the pandemic and
during community quarantine, Dr.
Villanueva wrote several poems
including Earnest Wish. Her
profound love for writing started
during her primary years. She
always believes that experiences
and surroundings play a strong
 Reader’s Context
• The reader’s previous reading
experience
• Schema
• Reader’s assumption, values,
political and economic issues
 Socio-cultural Context
• The time period and the current
events can inform the readers of
the general mood of that era as
well as to understand the situation
of the society at that time
• Culture
• Language
• Customs and norms
SAMPLE LITERARY TEXTS

1. Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo
2. Harry Potter
3. Twilight Series
4. Bahay Kubo
5. We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers
TASK 1 (BY THREES AFTER
MT 1)
• Research a literary text coming from
other regions in the Philippines.
Identify the context present that
might have influenced how the text
was written as well as your take of
its message. Prepare to present for 1-
2 minutes the result of your research
after the MT. (Use visual aid.)