21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World. Introduction to Philippine literature.

1. Why do we
need to study
literature?

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3. DIMENSIONS OF PHILIPPINE LITERARY HISTORY
FROM PRECOLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY
TEACHER KING

4. Objective
× Writing a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary
texts and doing an adaptation of these require from the learner the
ability to:
1.Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of
Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary.
Code: EN12Lit-Ia-21
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Philippine literature withstood time and periods and has evolved
through generations. For every period that passed, different genres
appeared, and these literary works rooted from all regions reflecting
their culture, society and lifestyle.

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1. PRE-COLONIAL LITERATURE
 Precolonial literature was marked by
the ancestors’ daily observations about
life, explanations for natural
phenomena, and beginnings of rituals.
These also function as an explanation
for society and culture as they know it to
be.
• Literature during this period was passed
through the word of mouth or the oral
tradition

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Motifs and features of
Pre-Colonial Literature:
× the beginning of life and of the earth
× accounts about great people or supernatural
heroes
× the inclusion of gods and goddesses
× the inclusion of mythical creatures like
duwende, aswang, tikbalang, and the like
× themes on morality; good and bad practices
in life
× daily encounters and activities in life

8. × Forms of Pre-Colonial Literature
a. Proverbs – are practical observation and philosophy of every day
life that are written usually in rhyming scheme.
Example:
× Walang naninira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang.
b. Riddles – are questions in a form of a statements or even a one-
word hint for the brainteaser
Example:
× Naligo si Kapitan, di nabasa ang tiyan.
× (The captain took a bath without his belly getting wet) BOAT
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9. × c. Folksongs – songs that express our
ancestors’ experiences in life ranging from
courtship to lullabies, harvests, funerals and
others. Different forms include: oyayi (lullaby),
soliranin (boat song), kundiman (love song),
diona (wedding song), dalit (religious song),
dapayanin (drinking song), hibais (travel
song), bung-aw (funeral song), bansal
(courting song
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10. × d. Tales – are stories of origin of certain places, their names and
their creation. These are also known as myths and legends.
× e. Epics – are long-winded poems about a hero and his
adventures and misadventures.
Examples are: Ibalon (Bicol), Maragtas and Hinilawod (Visayas),
Darangan (Mindanao), Aliguyon (Igorot), Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocos),
HudHud (Ifugao), Indarapatra at Sulayman (Maguindanao),
Tatuaang (Bagobo), Kumintang (Tagalog).
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14. × Moro-Moro (Comedia
de Capa y Espada) is a
folk drama based on the
battles between the
Christians and Muslims.
× Pasyon highlights the
life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
× Tibag is a dramatic
reenactment of the search
of St. Helena for the Cross
on which Jesus died.
× Zarzuela is a musical
comedy or melodrama that
deals with the elemental
passions of human beings.
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 Free public education made knowledge and information
accessible to a greater number of Filipinos.
 The use of English as medium of instruction introduced
Filipinos to Anglo-American modes of thought, culture and life
ways that would be embedded not only in the literature
produced but also in the psyche of the country’s educated
class.
 It was this educated class that would be the wellspring of a
vibrant Philippine Literature in English.

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 Philippine literature in English, as a direct result of American
colonization of the country, could not escape being imitative
of American models of writing especially during its period of
apprenticeship.
 Literary themes and motifs related to the people’s search
and desire to gain autonomy and independence as well as
relevant social concerns or political issues were exhibited in
most works written in both prose and poetic forms.

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26.  Writers during the post-war years were
inspired by American school and college
teachers, and were able to borrow their
techniques, achieving a greater mastery of
the English language
 The years between 1945 and 1960, therefore,
were a productive period for Philippine
authors
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30. Activity 1:
Write a timeline of the different periods in Philippine
literature and include the most significant aspect of
each period.
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31. Activity 2:
Riddles or “bugtong” are not only fun but also help improve
thinking ability and creativity. Create your own riddles. Make
sure to come up with your own original work.
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32. Gen
× How do changes in our history affect or shape literature?
× Which of the periods do you think has the greatest
influence on contemporary Philippine literature? Why?
× Which type of literature do you think are still practical
today? Why?
× Why do you think it is important to study the history of
Philippine literature?
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33. Test
yourself
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35. THANKS!
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