INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

Literature
o Literature is derived from the Latin “littera” which means “letter”, which refers primarily to
written texts.
Therefore, literature is simply anything that is written.

o Literature consists writings which recognize the meanings of nature and life, in words of charm
and power, touched with the character of the author, in artistic forms of permanent interest

o Literature is the written, printed or oral productions of the human mind collectively, which
deals with themes of permanent and universal interest, characterized by creativeness and grace
of expression, as poetry, fictions, essays, etc., distinguished from works of scientific,
technical or journalistic nature
(Webster Comprehensive Dictionary, International Edition).

Types of Literature
A. Oral literature is the literature of the ancient periods when they did not yet have much
concern about an enduring preservation of the expressions of their wits and emotions or their
experiences because what seemed to matter then to them was merely the pleasure of
being able to tell stories or being able to express themselves either in the simplest way they
can or in their kind of aesthetic sense. Itis preserved and handed down from one generation to
another by word of mouth. Oral literature started unwritten, but eventually captured for writing.

B. Written literature is one that produced from the use of the pen by literary writer. Written
Literature is more permanent than oral literature because it remains as is.

Reasons Why People Write:

 for self-expression. It goes by the saying, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of ”Literature
can be a great avenue for a person to express what they feel or think”
 to spread knowledge and information. Writing is a great way for us not only to share information,
but to learn from the information shared by other people.
 to pass on ideas and values. Preserving ideas and values can be difficult and writing can mend to
that problem. Passing on principles can be made easy by writings.
 to convey truth, accuracy, and evaluation. This allows others to analyze, evaluate, form valid
judgments, and make wise decisions.
The Qualities of Great Literature:

 Permanence - Great literature has a lasting influence and can stand though ages and may still
open a new world of meaning and experiences through different generations.
 Universality - Great literature appeals to anyone, wherever, whenever and may be constantly
relevant. It deals with elemental feelings, fundamental truths, and universal conditions.
 Artistry – Great literature draws to our aesthetic sense or sense of beauty.
 Intellectual Value – Great literature stimulates the way we think. It makes us realize fundamental
truths about life and human nature; thus, enriching our mental ability.
 Spiritual Value – Great literature motivates, inspires, and brings out moral values which can
make us better persons. It also relates to God’s plan and purpose for humanity.
 Style – Great literature is evident with the distinctive way in which the writer sees life, forms
his/her ideas, and expresses them distinctly. The uniqueness of the writer shows in his or her
style.
 Suggestiveness – Great literature draws to our emotions, stirs our imagination, feeling, moves
us deeply and evokes visions over and beyond the level of ordinary life and experience.
Prose and Poetry
Prose is discourse that follows the continuous and usual flow of conversation which uses
sentences forming paragraphs to express ideas, feelings, and actions. It is divided into two major
divisions, namely fiction and non-fiction.

Divisions of Prose:
1. Fiction is a type of prose writing that is the product of the author’s imagination.
a. Short Story is a sequence of events including one or more characters, one narrative, and one single
idea.
Examples: Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez, Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa
b. Novel is a long work of fiction that has chapters where many characters are involved and spans long
period of time.

Examples: Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

c. Play is a scripted story executed on stage.

Examples: Call Me Flory by Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero

Dekada ’70 by Lualhati Bautista

d. Legend is a narrative about the origin of man, place, event, and happenings.

Examples: Alamat ng Pinya, The Legend of Daragang Magayon

e. Fable is a narrative where the characters are animals and nonliving objects that speak and act like
people, and usually ends with values that can mold their attitudes.

Examples: The Monkey and the Turtle, the Ant and the Grasshopper

2. Non-fiction is a type of prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people.

a. Essay is an attempt to express the viewpoint and judgment of the writer on a dilemma or event.
Example: Essays of Francis Bacon
b. Oration is a formal treatment of the subject and intended to be spoken before a crowd.
c. Biography is a literary work that gives the life account of a person written by another person.
d. Autobiography is a literary work where the author writes his own life account.
e. News is a report of expected and unexpected events in society and government and incidents
in the field of science, business, etc.
f. Letters is a written message communicated from one person to another person via writing
through a medium. Letters can be formal and informal.
g. Diaries and journals serve as account of personal experiences. They are synonymous but
there is an important difference:

 A diary is precisely a record of personal or private and daily experiences.

 A journal, depending on the context, could mean a more universal record or logbook
but more importantly a technical journal, that is a scientific or industry-related
publication/periodical.

Three Types of Poetry:

1. Narrative poetry tells stories and has two forms:

A. Epics are lengthy poems that embody the adventures of epic heroes and divine forces.
They are the oldest remaining form of poetry.
Examples: Biag ni Lam-ang, Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf

B. Ballads are narrative poems meant to be sung. They are briefer than the epics and they
usually tell stories about a person. Because ballads started from the common people, they
use repetitive and simple language as well as supernatural touches.

Poetry is a type of literature that combines the sound and meaning of language to create and express
ideas and feelings. The language of poetry which uses imagery and figurative language closely related
terms is very rich, suggestive, and powerful. It is expressed in regimented manner by the force of
stanza, meter, rhyme, and other regulating devices.

Example: Ballad to King Arthur

2. Dramatic poetry reveals stories, but one or more characters act out the poem. There are plays that
are written as dramatic poetry. This allows the writer to reveal characters directly through dialogue/
monologue. William Shakespeare, an English playwright, is the most famous dramatic poet. In the
 dramatic monologue, the story is dramatically told by only one character.
Examples: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare

3. Lyric poetry, the most familiar of the three, is a brief poem that articulates the poet’s
thoughts and feeling. The word lyric comes from the Greek word “rhein” which
means lyre, a harp-like musical instrument used by poets in ancient Greece. Lyric
poetry comes in many forms:

a. Haiku, one of the shortest lyric poems, is a Japanese verse of 17 syllables

arranged in three lines; the first line has 5, the second 7, and the third 5.
Example: Haiku poems of Matsuo Basho

b. Ode is a serious elaborate lyric poem full of high praises and noble feelings usually about things.
Example: Ode to Evening by William Collins (1721-1759)
Ode to Tomatoes by Pablo Neruda
c. Elegy is a poem of meditation on life and death. Many elegies mourn the death of a famous person
or a close friend.
Examples: An Elegy Written on a Country Church Yard by Thomas Gray
In Memoriam A.H.H. by Alfred Lord Tennyson

d. Sonnet is a 14-line lyric poem with a certain pattern of rhyme and rhythm.
Examples: How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1986) an English Poet
Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
e. Song is a lyric poem intended to be sung.
Example: Sound of Silence by Bob Dylan and Paul Simon
Two cups of coffee
Wake me up enough to ask
“Did I have coffee?”

AMERICAN PERIOD (1898-1941)

During the American Period in the Philippines, the literary creation was motivated by two advancements
in education and culture:
 the introduction of free instruction for all children of school age
 the use of English as medium of instruction in all levels of education in public schools.

Free public education made knowledge and information accessible to all Filipinos. Those who availed
this education through college were able to improve their social status and joined a good number of
educated masses who became part of the country’s middle class.

Founded Schools/ Universities in the Philippines During American Colonial Period:

 1901 – Philippine Normal College (now PNU)

– National University
– Silliman University
– El Colegio de San Beda (now SBU)
 1902 – Negros Oriental High school
– Ilo-ilo Normal School
 1904 – St. Paul University
– Filamer Christian University
– Zamboanga Normal School
– Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila
(now MCU)
 1905 – Central Philippine University
 1908 – University of the Philippines
 1914 – University of Manila
 1915 – Cebu Normal School
  1919 – Philippine Women’s University
– Jose Rizal University
 1925 – Mapua Institute of Technology
 1933 – Far Eastern University
 1938 – Arellano University
 1941 – San Sebastian College - Recoletos

During the Period of Apprenticeship (1910-1930), the Filipino writers imitated English and
American models. They were into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories,
plays, essays, and novels.
Their writings clearly depicted their love of country and their longings for independence.
Short Stories
Dead Stars was the first short story written in English by Paz Marquez Benitez.
The Small Key was written by Paz Latorena.
Footnote to Youth was written by Jose Garcia Villa.
Newspapers
El Nuevo Dia (The New Day) -Established by Sergio Osmena in 1900.The Americans censored,
twice banned and threatened Osmena with banishment because of his nationalistic writings.
El Grito Del Pueblo (The Call of the Nation) - Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
El Renacimiento (The Rebirth) - Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
Plays
Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) written by Aurelio Tolentino.
It depicts the suppression done by the Americans and their plan to colonize the Philippines.
Tanikalang Ginto of Juan Abad
Malaya by Tomas Remigio
Walang Sugat by Severino Reyes
The Characteristics and Features of the American Period:
1. Zarsuelas – This was popularized in 1893 A new-found dramatic form was popularized by Severino
Reyes and the old forms gradually vanished. The theme was no longer about Christians and Muslims
but between Filipinos and Spaniards in the first period of the American regime.
2. Tagalog Prose Fiction – Some of the well-known works are “Salawahang Pag-ibig” by Lope K.
Santos, “Pagsintang Naluoy” by Modesto Santiago and “Unang Bulaklak” by Valeriano Hernandez.
Writers of these proses were emotional; they chose more for romantic adventures than for flaming
issues of the day.
3. Novel – “Banaag at Sikat,” which was written by Lope K. Santos, is one of the renowned novels during
this era. The emotional character of each Filipino was shown in this novel using tents of provinces.

4. Poetry – Remarkable people in this area include Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia Villa,
Angela Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and Rafael Zulueta da Costa. They
transformed not only love poems but nationalistic, spiritual, evocative and insightful poems too. They
penned in free verse, in odes and sonnets and in other types. Poetry was unique, natural, expertly
written and later, merged social awareness.

5. Short Story (1925-1941) – The College publications UP Literary Apprentice, Philippine Free
Press, The Graphic, The Philippine Magazine offered incentives and the short story prospered during
these times.

The Three Periods That Emerged During American Period:

1. The Period of Reorientation (1898-1910) – The concept of reorientation was materialized during this
period. The English language became the language of literature by the time of American occupation on
August 13, 1898. In 1900, the English language came to be used as a method of teaching in the public
schools.

2. The Period of Imitation (1910-1924) – In 1919, different universities such as the UP-College Folio
printed the literary masterpieces of the first Filipino authors in English. They were the forerunners in
writing short stories. They were then scrutinizing their way into impersonating American and British
models which resulted in a unusual, synthetic, and unnatural style, lacking enthusiasm, and
naturalness. Their models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and
other American authors of the Romantic School. Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the
greatest editorial author of this period) Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, and
Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They are established when it comes to English poetry.

3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941) By this time, Filipino writers had mastered
writing literary pieces in English. They confidently and competently wrote on a lot of topics although the
old-time favorites of love and youth continued. They explored writing various forms of literature like the
novel and the drama.

JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)

 The development of Philippine literature was jeopardized when Japan conquered the Philippines
between 1941-1945. The Japanese prohibited the use of the English language in almost all newspapers
except the Tribune, Philippine Review, Pillars, Free Philippines, and Filipina.

 Freedom of speech was prohibited as well. According to Victoria Abelardo, the Filipino literature in the
time of Japanese invasion was “bitter and pessimistic.” Strict censorship allowed only a few literary
works to be printed and published during this period.

 Before it was managed by a Japanese named Ishiwara, the weekly magazine Liwayway was placed
under a very strict surveillance.

Do you know that during this period, the Americans used education as a vehicle of the program
“benevolent assimilation?” Moreover, do you know that American soldiers served as the first teachers of
Filipinos then they were later replaced by trained teachers, who were known as “Thomasites?” What
can you say about the contributions of American period in the history of the development of
Philippine literature? Now, let’s see how the next period affects our freedom of speech.

 This period encouraged Tagalog writing. Several literary works that focused on everyday life were
seen and unaffected by war. The Filipino Literature gained advantages for its renewed attention because
writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. One example of this is Juan Laya, who used to write in
English. He turned to writing in Filipino language because of the strict prohibitions of the Japanese
regarding any writing in English.

 The guerillas performed oral and written literature using their satirical and humorous skills. The people
who are fighting against Japanese movement also used literature as their weapon and means of
expression.

 The importance of cultural events remains not in the excellence of output but by the guidepost
of the Filipinos.

 Most poems centered on nationalism, love and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and arts.

 Voice of Freedom, a utmostly-secret underground radio, served as the only contact of Filipinos with the
outside world.

 During this period, Tagalog was favored by the Japanese military authority, and eventually influenced
and encouraged the Filipinos to develop the vernacular literature.

 Filipino writers who were able to write freely were those residing in the United States. Most
writers and authors were forced to go underground or write in Tagalog. Thus, the Filipino
literature gained renewed attention because writers in English language shifted to writing in Filipino
language.

 Movie houses showing American films were closed. It was latter replaced by stage plays that were
translated from English to Tagalog. Well-known translators at that time were Francisco Soc Rodrigo,
Alberto Concio and Narciso Pimentel.

 Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Man Filipino writers wrote plays, poems,
short stories etc. whose topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.

The Filipino Poetry during the Japanese Period:

As previously discussed, the themes of Filipino poetry during the Japanese colonization were
nationalism, love and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
Three Types of Poems that Emerged during the Japanese Period:
1. Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into three
lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables and the third, five. The haiku is allegorical in
meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning.
2. Tanaga – a poem consisted of 4 lines, each with 7 syllables and usually has AAAA rhyme scheme.
3. Karaniwang anyo (usual metrical form)
The Filipino Drama During the Japanese Period:
The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing American
films were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. Many of the plays were
reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. The translators were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Concio,
and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the organization of Filipino players named Dramatic
Philippines.

 This period encouraged Tagalog writing. Several literary works that focused on everyday life were
seen and unaffected by war. The Filipino Literature gained advantages for its renewed attention because
writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. One example of this is Juan Laya, who used to
write in English. He turned to writing in Filipino language because of the strict prohibitions of the
Japanese regarding any writing in English.

 The guerillas performed oral and written literature using their satirical and humorous skills. The people
who are fighting against Japanese movement also used literature as their weapon and means of
expression.

 The importance of cultural events remains not in the excellence of output but by the
guidepost of the Filipinos.

 Most poems centered on nationalism, love and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and arts.

 Voice of Freedom, a utmostly-secret underground radio, served as the only contact of Filipinos with the
outside world.

 During this period, Tagalog was favored by the Japanese military authority, and eventually influenced
and encouraged the Filipinos to develop the vernacular literature.

 Filipino writers who were able to write freely were those residing in the United States. Most
writers and authors were forced to go underground or write in Tagalog. Thus, the Filipino
literature gained renewed attention because writers in English language shifted to writing in Filipino
language.

 Movie houses showing American films were closed. It was latter replaced by stage plays that were
translated from English to Tagalog. Well-known translators at that time were Francisco Soc Rodrigo,
Alberto Concio and Narciso Pimentel.

 Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many Filipino writers wrote plays,
poems, short stories etc. whose topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.
The Filipino Drama During the Japanese Period:
The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing American
films were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. Many of the plays were
reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. The translators were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Concio,
and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the organization of Filipino players named Dramatic
Philippines.
A few playwrights and their well-known plays were:
1. Jose Ma. Hernandez – wrote “Panday Pira”
2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo – wrote “Sa pula, sa Puti”
3. Clodualdo del Mundo – wrote “Bulaga” (an expression in the game Hide and Seek).
4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda – wrote “Sino ba Kayo? Dahil sa Anak, and Higante ng Patay.”
Source: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Literature/literary_forms_in_philippine_lit.htm
Retrieved, July 3, 2020