Literature
Broadens the
– from the word “litera” meaning “letters”.
– Authors own pov. Creative writing centers, literary
institutions, universities and etc.
– Seen as Important
literature - Not going to last. To entertain, divert attention.
Considered literary are those that have withstood the
test of time, or classical works.
Claims that literature language is more unique, apart
from being fictional and imaginative.
Literature is a record, oral and written of mans thought,
experience, mans values, in language that is expressed.
Theory of Literature – convey the attitude of the speaker
or writer, could also influence and persuade. (by Wellek
and Austin)
 Henry Van Dyke
– “writings which interpret the meanings of nature and
life, in words of charm and power, touched with the
personality of the author, in artistic forms or permanent
interest”
– Works that talk about life that are written in an
exquisite language. Authors point of view.
 Rene Wellek
– Literary critic and scholar.
– In the theory of literature, points that literature is a
creative act and an art form, also the importance of
the creative process that occurs in the artists mind.
 Thomas De Quincey
– 2 types of literature: Literature of knowledge
(capability to teach) & Literature of power (ability to
translate one’s belief or ideas).
ELEMENTS
 Universality – appeals to everyone. All considered
significant.
 Artistry – aesthetic appeal
 Permanence – endures across time and draws out the
time
 Timeliness – occurring at a particular
time.
 Timelessness – remaining invariable
throughout time.
 Style – the way the writers express themselves in their
work. How man seas life a evidence by the formation of
his idea, forms, structure, and expressions.
 Intellectual Value – stimulates critical thinking
 Spiritual Value – inspire its readers. Elevates the spirit
and soul.
 Suggestiveness – relies on emotions in order to convey
meanings and messages. Create meaning. Implied
meaning, images, messages, evoking visions and etc.
Importance of Literature in Society
1. Literature helps expand horizons.
knowledge of life.
2. Literature gives a look into the past, present,
and future. Provides window into the past.
3. Literature gives a view into human conditions.
Helps understand the human condition.
Reasons for Literature being Banned
 Racial issues. Destroying the image of the people.
 Encouragement of damaging lifestyles/ill well.
Damaging lifestyle.
 Blasphemous dialog. Damage the image of God
 Sexual situation or dialog/Literature with obscene
acts.
 Presence of witchcraft
 Religious affiliations/ definition of other religion.
Damaging others religion
 Political bias/anti-government
 Age inappropriate
History of Philippine Literature
 Pre-Spanish period (1565)
 Spanish Period (1565-1898)
 The period of Enlightment (1872-1898)
 American Regime (1898-1941)
 Japanese Period (1941-1945)
 The rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)
 The Period of Activism (1970-1972)
 Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
 Period of the Third Republic _1981-1985)
 Post Edsa Period (1986-1999)
Pre-Spanish period (1565) the customs and tradition of
Filipinos can still be traced in their folk stories, old plays,
and short stories. Filipino eventually Developed our
alphabets “baybayin”
CHARACTERIZED BY:
A. Legends – history but unlikely to be true.
B. Folktales – about life, adventure, horror, and
humor.
C. Epics – about heroic achievement’s
D. Folksongs – songs that mirror the early form of
culture.
E. Epigrams, riddles, chants – consist of stanza, wit
and wisdom.
F. Proverbs and saying – law and rules for good
behavior.
Spanish Period (1565-1898). A lot of literatures were
destroyed. The only way to preserve it at that time was
through oral tradition. The started introducing the
Catholism to the Filipinos.
Influences on the development of Philippine
Literature:
1. The first Filipino Alphabet was replaced by
the Roman Alphabet.
2. First book printed, entitled “doctrina
Cristiana en lengua Espanola y Tagala”
 3. University was established in 1611: the
university of Santo Tomas.
4. Chrisitian Doctrine became the basis of
religious practices.
5. Spanish language became the literary
language
6. European legends and traditions brought here
became assimilated in our songs, corridos
and moro-moros.
7. Ancient literature was collected and
translated to tagalog and other dialects.
8. Many grammar books were printed in
tagalog, Ilocano, and visayan.
9. Periodicals took on a religious tone during
this period.
The period of Enlightment (1872-1898). Filipino spirit
reawakened after the martyrdom of the three prists Gomez/s,
Burgos and Zamora. Propagandists started to emerge. Many
Filipinos who showed their courage and fought for freedom.
Some of Dr. Jose P. Rizal books and writing includes:
1. Noli Me Tangre – gave spirit to the propaganda
movement.
2. El Filibusterismo – seuql of Noli that talks about
politics and corruption.
Other Filipino heroes who used their writing skills in the
fighting for freedom:
1. Marcelo H. Del Pilar – popular with his pet name
Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat, and Dolores
Manapat.
2. Graciano Lopez Jaena – establishe the first
magazine LA SOLIDARIDAD.
American Regime (1898-1941) Filipinos writers explored
all forms of literatures like news reporting, poetry, stories,
plays, essay, and novels. The writings depicted their love of
country and their longing for independence.
Characteristics of Literature during this period:
1. Spanish, Tagalog, English writers (writer who
contributed)
2. English became a medium of instructions as well
as language that Americans taught to our ancestors
through the establishment of the public-school
education.
3. The Tagalog writers continued in their
lamentations on the condition of the country and
their attempts to arouse love for one’s native
tongue.
4. The English writers imitated the themes and
method of the Americans.
Authors:
1. Cecilio Apostol – dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto,
Mabini and etc.
2. Paz Marquez Benitez – author of the dead star
3. Manuel Arguilla – short story writer known for
infusing “local color”.
4. Valeriano Hernandez Pena – Father of Tagalog
Novel.
Japanese Period (1941-1945) Gave advantageous stance on
Filipino Literature. Juan Laya, turned to use Filipinos
language because of the strict prohibition.
LIWAYWAY was placed under strict surveillance until it
was taken over by a Japanese named Ishiwara.
Filipinos Literature was given a spotlight in this period
Poetry During This Period:
1. Haiku – free verse, 17 syllables, 5 syllables first
and third stanza and 7 syllables on the second.
Short and covers wide scope of meaning.
2. Tanaga – short but measure and rhyme. Each line
has 17 syllables.
3. Karaniwang anyo (usual form) – where rhyme
scheme and verse are not prescribed.
The rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970) marked by the
struggle of mind and spirit. Filipinos had learned to express
themselves more confidently in this time.
The Period of Activism (1970-1972) Because of the ills of
society, the youth moved to reforms.
The Literary Revolution - The youth became strong and
rebellious during this period. This was most especially
heightened during the First Quarter Storm of 1970, where
campus newspapers showed rebellious emotions because of
the economic and social situation that is quite palpable
during this time. The once aristocratic writers developed an
awareness for society. They held pens and wrote on placards
in red paint the equivalent of the word MAKIBAKA (To
dare!)
Period of the New Society (1972-1980) When Martial Law
was declared in 1972 by the late President Ferdinand Edralin
Marcos. The government sequestered TV stations and other
publications so that information to be circulated in the
country is controlled, that is, only those that are favorable to
the administration. The military government established a
new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs that
supervised the newspapers, books and other publications.
Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the
development or progress of the country. The new society
tried to stop pornography and writings that that had negative
influences on people’s morals. All school newspapers, as
well as school organizations, were temporarily stopped.
Period of the third Republic (1981-1985) After the Aquino
assassination, the people’s voices calling for a change in
leadership could no longer be contained. Both the public and
private sectors of government chanted and shouted; women,
men, and youth became more daring and raised their voices
in protest: “TAMA NA! NA SOBRA NA! PALITAN NA “.
Post EDSA Period (1986-present) democracy was restored
in the presidency of Corazon Aquino, the once taunted press
exercised their freedom again.
In the short span of the existence of the true Republic of the
Philippines, several changes are evident. This is most
noticeable in new Filipino songs, information in
newspapers, speeches, and even television programs.
1. On Newspapers and other publications: Newspapers
that were once branded crony newspapers became instant
opposition papers overnight.
2. On Books: As a new era begins, the moments of the
glorious, bloodless revolution were commemorated. Some
of these books were “People Power” and “Bayan ko”
These events that happened in the past were proof that
literature has existed to form the Filipinos’ culture,
traditions, and identity. It was used to entertain, preserve
memories, and, most importantly, as a powerful tool in the
fight against oppression and injustice.
National Artists for Literature
- Award given to those exemplary individuals who
gave immeasurable effort in writing Literature.
- is an award that does not end or start in the day that
thethe significantaward is bestowed by the
President of the Philippines to an
individual.contributions of theseNational Artists
forThis kind of recognition is accompanied by a
lifelong responsibility - aLiterature:responsibility to
express truth and reflect truth - which were
evidentfrom their writings. Thus, literature in its
purest nature reflects truthand reality about life.
Francisco Arcellana (September 6, 1916 - August 1,
2002). Short story as lyrical prose-poetic form. For
Arcellana, the pride of fiction is “that it is able to render
truth, that is able to present reality”. Arcellana kept alive the
experimental tradition in fiction, and had been most daring
in exploring new literary forms to express the sensibility of
the Filipino people.
Arcellana’s published books are Selected Stories (1962),
Poetry and Politics: The State of Original Writing in English
in the Philippines Today (1977), The Francisco Arcellana
Sampler (1990).
Virgilio S. Almario is also known as Rio Alma, is a poet,
literary historian and critic, who has revived and reinvented
traditional Filipino poetic forms, even as he championed
modernist poetic.  his poetic voice soared from the lyrical to
the satirical to the epic, from the dramatic to the incantatory,
in his often severe examination of the self, and the society.
He has also redefined how the Filipino poetry is viewed and
paved the way for the discussion of the same in his 10 books
of criticisms and anthologies, among which are Ang
Makata sa Panahon ng Makina, Balagtasismo versus
Modernismo,Walong Dekada ng Makabagong Tula
Pilipino, Mutyang Dilim and Barlaan at Josaphat.
He headed the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts as Executive Director, (from 1998 to 2001) ably
steering the Commission towards its goals. But more than
anything else, what Almario accomplished was that he put a
face to the Filipino writer in the country, one strong face
determinedly wielding a pen into untruths, hypocrisy,
injustice, among others.
Cirilo F. Bautista was a poet, fictionist and essayist with
exceptional achievements and significant contributions to
the development of the country’s literary arts. Bautista
realized that the classroom is an important training ground
for Filipino writers.
Levi Celerio, National Artist for Literature/Music (1997)
(April 30, 1910 - April 2, 2002) a prolific lyricist and
composer for decades. He effortlessly translated/wrote anew
the lyrics to traditional melodies: “O Maliwanag Na Buwan”
(Iloko), “Ako ay May Singsing” (Pampango),
“Alibangbang” (Visaya) among others. He made it to the
Guinness Book of World Records as the only person able to
make music using just a leaf.
Lazaro A. Francisco (February 22, 1898 - June 17, 1980)
developed the social realist tradition in Philippine fiction.
His eleven novels, now acknowledged classics of Philippine
literature, embodies the author’s commitment to
nationalism. Amadis Ma. Guerrero wrote, “Francisco
championed the cause of the common man, specifically the
oppressed peasants. His novels exposed the evils of the
tenancy system, the exploitation of farmers by unscrupulous
landlords, and foreign domination.” Teodoro Valencia also
observed, “His pen dignifies the Filipino and accents all the
positives about the Filipino way of life. His writings have
contributed much to the formation of a Filipino nationalism.
“Master of the Tagalog Novel” His masterpiece novels
— Ama, Bayang Nagpatiwakal, Maganda Pa Ang
Daigdig and Daluyong.
Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez (September 8, 1915 -
November 28, 1999) known as N.V.M. Gonzalez, fictionist,
essayist, poet, and teacher, articulated the Filipino spirit in
rural, urban landscapes. The awards attest to his triumph in
appropriating the English language to express, reflect and
shape Philippine culture and Philippine sensibility.
Amado V. Hernandez, poet, playwright, and novelist, is
among the Filipino writers who practiced “committed
art”. For Hernandez, the function of the writer is to act as
the conscience of society and to affirm the greatness of the
human spirit in the face of inequity and oppression.
Joaquin
Nick Joaquin (May 4, 1917 - April 29, 2004), is regarded
by many as the most distinguished Filipino writer in English
writing so variedly and so well about so many aspects of the
Filipino. Nick Joaquin has also enriched the English
language with critics coining “Joaquinesque” to describe his
baroque Spanish-flavored English or his reinventions of
English based on Filipinisms.
Bienvenido Lumbera writes that Nick Joaquin’s significance
in Philippine literature involves his exploration of the
Philippine colonial past under Spain. Nick Joaquin died
April 29, 2004.
F. Sionil Jose’s writings since the late 60s, when taken
collectively can best be described as epic. it is the consistent
espousal of the aspirations of the Filipino-for national
sovereignty and social justice-that guarantees the value of
his oeuvre.
Bienvenido Lumbera (April 11, 1932 - September 28,
2021) a poet, librettist, and scholar. he introduced to
Tagalog literature what is now known as Bagay poetry. As,
a librettist for the Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari, he
pioneered the creative fusion of fine arts and popular
imagination.
Alejandro Roces (July 13, 1924 - May 23, 2011) short
story writer and essayist, and considered as the country’s
best writer of comic short stories. He is known for his
widely anthologized “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken.” In
his innumerable newspaper columns, he has always focused
on the neglected aspects of the Filipino cultural heritage.
He was instrumental in great individuals, what popularizing
several local fiestas, notably, Moriones and Ati-atihan. He
steps will you take to personally led the campaign to change
the country’s Independence Day ensure that more Filipinos
from July 4 to June 12, and caused the change of language
from English are aware of their names and contributions? to
Filipino in the country’s stamps, currency, and passports. He
was the one who recovered Jose Rizal’s manuscripts when
they were stolen from the National Archives.
Carlos P. Romulo (January 14, 1899 - December 15,
1985) he was the first Asian president of the United Nations
General Assembly, then Philippine Ambassador to
Washington, D.C., and later minister of foreign affairs he
was a reporter at 16, a newspaper editor by the age of 20,
and a publisher at 32. He was the only Asian to win
America’s coveted Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for a series
of articles predicting the outbreak of World War II.
Rolando S. Tinio (March 5, 1937 - July 7,1997) a
playwright, thespian, poet, teacher, critic, and translator
marked his career with prolific artistic productions. Tinio’s
chief distinction as a stage director whose original insights
into the scripts he handled brought forth production’s
notable for their visual impact and intellectual cogency.
Subsequently, after staging productions for the Ateneo
Experimental Theater. He left a considerable amount of
work reviving traditional Filipino drama by re-staging old
theater forms like the sarswela and opening a treasure-house
of contemporary Western drama.
Edith L. Tiempo (April 22, 1919 - August 21,2011) poet,
fictionist, teacher and literary critic is one of the finest
Filipino writers in English whose works are characterized by
a remarkable fusion of style and substance, of craftsmanship
and insight. Born on April 22, 1919 in Bayombong, Nueva
Vizcaya, her poems are intricate verbal transfigurations of
significant experiences as revealed, in two of her much-
anthologized pieces, “The Little Marmoset” and “Bonsai”.
As fictionist, Tiempo is as morally profound. Her language
has been marked as “descriptive but unburdened by
scrupulous detailing.” She is an influential tradition in
Philippine literature in English. Together with her late
husband, Edilberto K. Tiempo, she founded and directed the
Silliman National Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City,
which has produced some of the country’s best writers.
Jose Garcia Villa (August 5, 1908 - February 7, 1997) one
of the finest contemporary poets regardless of race or
language. introduced the reversed consonance rime scheme,
including the comma poems that made full use of the
punctuation mark in an innovative, poetic way. The first of
his poems “Have Come, Am Here” received critical
recognition when it appeared in New York in 1942 that,
soon enough, honors and fellowships were heaped on him:
Guggenheim, Bollingen, the American Academy of Arts and
Letters Awards. He used Doveglion (Dove, Eagle, Lion) as
pen name, the very characters he attributed to himself, and
the same ones explored by e.e. cummings in the poem he
wrote for Villa (Doveglion, Adventures in Value). Villa is
also known for the tartness of his tongue.
The use of 21st century technology in producing
literature
Electronic and Graphic Literatures proliferated in this time
because of the availability of the internet and the different
digital devices like desktop computers, laptops, and
smartphones. The availability of these digital devices is the
reason why paperless production of literature emerged in
this period. Many writers produce their literary works by
coming up with their own websites sponsored for free by
internet platforms (e.g., Wattpad, Blogger.com, Facebook,
Twitter, and many more). As literary works are readily
available on the virtual space, readers can post their
reactions in the form of comments and may even share these
works. For the readers, in these existing free online
platforms, they can also enjoy reading different kind of
reading materials without going to bookstores or book rental
places. With the use of their own gadgets, readers will be
able to access these platforms and read.
The birth of new genres
Since this is the era of embracing rapid social changes and
emphasizing individualities, new genres entered the people’s
consciousness, which many readers readily received and
appreciated. Speculative Fiction and even LGBT-themed
literature are just some of these genres. Speculative Fiction
is the kind of literature that deals with supernatural
phenomena like folklore and fantasy, which the elders
originally told through oral tradition. Many writers of today
turn these tales into published works Another emerging
genre that is a little controversial is the LGBT- themed
literature. These are stories written to represent the struggles
of an individual to be accepted in the current social strata
and also the authenticity of love that deals beyond the
bounds of gender norms. The 21st Century era is both the
birthing time of new genres and the time for the pre-existing
genres to be known and appreciated by a broader number of
people.
Self-publishing as a means of introducing creative
works:
The writers today are given the opportunity to fulfill their
dreams to have their works be read by broader public.
Before, a writer had to go through a rigorous and difficult
process in order for their work to be published and known to
the rest of the world. Many aspiring writers tried, but after
numerous rejections, they gave up and forgot about their
dream of becoming successful.

Luckily in the 21st Century, there are ways to become an

accomplished author through self-publishing. This new
trend can be done for free – by using free online platforms
(like Wattpad) which are created to produce different kinds
of literature. This kind of online writing has become a hit in
the Philippines, where many popular Wattpad novels have
been adapted into movies and even television series. a writer
can also enroll in a mentoring program like PaperKat Books
owned by Kath Eustaquio-Derla. In this kind of mentoring
program, the mentor will accept budding writers to help
them produce both paperback and e-format literature. In this
kind of program also, the writers are taught different
marketing strategies to sell their books easier.

Accessibility of different literature from every part of the

world:

Many modern viewers would prefer to read subtitles while

watching foreign television shows and movies. Many
Filipinos nowadays would rather read subtitles than watch a
tagalized (dubbed in Filipino) series or movie There are also
online platforms and mobile applications where you can
read various types of texts written in different countries’
native languages and then translated into English. You can
also watch various series and movies from all over the
world.

Classic literatures’ preservation and survival through

seminal production.

The influence of the classic cannot be removed and is still

present in the 21st Century. Truthfully, these timeless stories
are the foundation of some of the great works created in the
21st Century. Thus, prove the saying that the classic
literature can surpass the test of time and still be relevant to
those who will appreciate it. Overall, the existence of
21st Century Literature speaks about what we have in our
days. the ever-developing technologies. Before, writing was
so simple that it only required a pen and paper, or if we go a
little further back, they used stones and walls to carve and
record important things. But now we have the convenience
of transcribing what we have in our minds by simply
uploading them to the internet, where people can read and
appreciate right away. Because of the existence of
computers and the internet, we live in an era of rapid
transmission of literature.