Literary Criticism

Historical
Approach

By: Kimberly Anne G. Albarillo

 Objectives
Identify the defining
characteristics of historical
01 approach in Literary
Criticism
 Objectives
Demonstrate an understanding
of the ways in which historical
fiction can be used to
02 illuminate contemporary
issues and concerns
 Objectives
Develop a critical perspective on
the role of historical fiction in
shaping popular understandings of
03 history and historical events by
using the approach in critiquing
selections
What is the TV show “Maria Clara
at Ibarra” about?
What did you learn from the
series?
Is Noli Me Tangere still relevant
today?
 Goal Orientation
“History repeats itself.”
To avoid this, we should learn how significant learning about
history is. History allows us to learn from the successes and
failures of the past. By studying historical events, individuals,
and societies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the
consequences of various actions and decisions, helping us
make wiser choices in the present and future.
 Historical Approach
Historical approach is a literary approach that involves
analyzing a literary piece in the context of its historical
background. It involves considering the social, economic,
and political conditions of the time the writer lived in or the
historical background of the piece.
 Historical Approach
Historical approach sees a literary work
chiefly as a reflection of the author’s life and
times or the life and times of the characters in
the work.
What to find when using
Historical Approach:
 1. Setting of the Material
Look out for words, images, sounds, places
or events that would give you a hint about
its background setting.

Refer to Noli Me Tangere. Examine the highlighted

words and sentences that show Local Color.
IT was toward the end of October. Don Santiago de los
Santos, better known as Captain Tiago, was giving a dinner ;
and though, contrary to custom, he had not announced it until
that very afternoon, it had become before evening the sole
topic of conversation, not only at Binondo, but in the other
suburbs of Manila, and even in the city itself.
"Good evening, señores ; good evening, fathers, " said
Captain Tiago, kissing the hands of the priests, " I have the
honor of presenting to you Don Crisostomo Ibarra. " At the
name of Ibarra there were smothered exclamations. The
lieutenant, forgetting to salute the master of the house,
surveyed the young man from head to foot. Brother Dámaso
seemed petrified.
The arrival was evidently unexpected. Señor Ibarra
exchanged the usual phrases with members of the group.
Nothing marked him from other guests save his black attire.
His fine height, his manner, his movements, denoted sane and
vigorous youth. His face, frank and engaging, of a rich brown,
and lightly furrowed-trace of Spanish blood-was rosy from a
sojourn in the north.
2. Research the Background of the Author.

It is also necessary to research about the

background of the author. Check his/ her
race and milieu to see its relevance to the
piece.
Who is Jose Rizal?
3. Identifying the purpose

Once the setting of the material has been

identified, the author’s intention should be
explained. Why did he use that particular
setting or milieu? What is his/ her purpose?
To satirize? To ridicule a person or
situation?
Why did Jose Rizal write Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo?
 ASSIGNMENT:
Why did George Orwell write Animal
Farm?
 Task:

Directions: Critique the performance of one of the

songs in the SIX musical. Take note of all clues
that would indicate its historical background.
Task:

Characters

Wardrobe

Situation
Group Activity
 Group Activity
Critique the poem “APO ON THE WALL”
by a Filipino, BJ Patino. List the words/
phrases that hints at the poem’s historical
background. Research the background of the
poet and identify his purpose/ intention.
 Apo on the Wall
BJ Patino

There’s this man’s photo on the wall

Of my father’s office at home, you
Know, where father brings his work,
Where he doesn’t look strange
Still wearing his green uniform
And colored breast plates, where,
To prove that he works hard, he
Also brought a photo of his boss
Whom he calls Apo, so Apo could
 You know, hang around on the wall
Behind him and look over his shoulders
To make sure he’s snappy and all.
Father snapped at me once, caught me
Sneaking around his office at home
Looking at the stuff on his wall-
handguns,
Plaques, a sword, medals a rifle-
Told me that was no place for a boy
Only men, when he didn’t really
Have to tell me because, you know,
 That photo of Apo on the wall was
already
Looking at me around,
His eyes following me like he was
That scary Jesus in the hallway, saying
I know what you’re doing.
 RUBRIC
Content- 20
• List of clues and their explanations (at
least 3)- 10
• Author’s milieu- 5
• Author’s intention- 5
Organization and Clarity of Ideas- 5
Grammar Accuracy- 5