PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

DURING THE AMERICAN PERIOD

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN LITERATURE HISTORY

In the late 19th century, as the Philippines came under

American colonial rule following the Treaty of Paris in
1898, a transformation in the country's literary
landscape began. This marked the beginning of the
American period in Philippine literature.

1898 - 1946
As the American presence in the Philippines solidified, so did
the influence of the English language. English became the
medium of instruction in schools and began to replace Spanish
in literary pursuits. During this time, writers like Trinidad
Pardo de Tavera and Dean C. Worcester made early forays into
writing in English, laying the foundation for future literary
developments.

1912 - 1941
With the establishment of the University of the Philippines in
1908, the stage was set for a flourishing of Philippine literature
in English. American literary forms, such as the short story
and the novel, gained popularity. It was during this period that
literary giants like Manuel Arguilla and Paz Marquez Benitez
emerged, producing works that would become classics.

1941 - 1945
The onset of World War II and the Japanese occupation of
the Philippines brought an interruption to the literary
renaissance. Free expression was suppressed, and the
wartime conditions silenced many voices. Some literary
works from this period, however, managed to capture the
hardship and struggle experienced by Filipinos under
Japanese rule.

1946 - 1960
In 1946, the Philippines gained independence from the
United States, and the literary scene underwent a
resurgence. Writers like Nick Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose, and
N.V.M. Gonzalez rose to prominence, exploring themes
related to social justice, national identity, and cultural
heritage. Their writings reflected the spirit of a newly
independent nation.

1960s - Present
As the 1960s dawned, a renewed interest in indigenous
cultures and a social consciousness movement emerged in
Philippine literature. The martial law era (1972-1981) under
Ferdinand Marcos significantly influenced literary works.
Contemporary authors like Jessica Hagedorn, Bino A.
Realuyo, and Lualhati Bautista continued to write in
English, addressing critical issues such as political turmoil,
societal change, cultural identity, and globalization.