What Is Literature

What is literature?
The word literature is derived from the Latin term litera which means letter. It has been
defined differently by various writers. These are the following:
1. Literature expresses the feelings of people to society, to the government, to his
surroundings, to his fellowmen, and to his Divine Creator. (Brother Azurin)
2. Literature is anything that is printed as long as it is related to the ideas and feelings of
the people, whether it is true, or just a product of one’s imagination. (Webster)
3. “True literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings and
emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy in his
environment and, after struggles, to reach his
Creator.” (PANITIKANG FILIPINO)
Literary History/Evolution of the Philippines
1. Pre – Colonial Period
The evolution of Philippine literature depended on the influences of colonization and the
spirit of the age.
The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
>Indigenous Philippine literature was based on traditions and customs of a particular area
of the country.
 Philippines is an archipelago. It consists of several islands, (approximately 7,107 islands),
and each of this island has a unique cultures and traditions, bearing different set of native
literature.
 Ancient literatures were written in a perishable materials like dried leaves, bamboo
cylinder, and bark of the trees.
 Literatures were handed down to us orally.
There were two literary forms during the pre-colonial period:

A. Written literatures
Examples:
a. Riddles or bugtong. These are effective ways to inculcate the ability of logical
thinking of a child.
b. Epigrams or salawikain. It reflects the hidden meaning through the good lines. It
provides good values.
c. Poems or tanaga – These are common forms of poetry which has a quatrine with
7 syllables each with the same rhyme at the end of each line. It also expresses insights and
lessons in life.
B. Oral literatures
Examples:
a. Chant. It is used in witchcraft and enchantment. While, ambahan is a traditional
poetry of Hanunoo Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro which teaches lesson about life. It is
recited by parents to educate their children by the youth expressing their love, by the old to
impart experiences, or by the community in tribal ceremony.
(slideshare.net/mobile/jessacerbito…)
b. Balagtasan .This is a Filipino form of debate done in verse.
The term is derived from the surname of Francisco Balagtas the author of Filipino epic
Florante at Laura.
2. The Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1897) able to manipulate literature by monopolizing
it under the religious orders. Literature revolved mainly on the themes of Spanish/ European
culture and of course, the Roman Catholic religion.
Literary Influences during Spanish colonization
European legends and traditions

brought here became
assimilated in our songs, corridos,
and moro-moros.
European legends and traditions
brought here became
assimilated in our songs, corridos,
and moro-moros.
 Folk Songs - manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their
innate appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta,
Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
 Recreational Plays There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos
during the Spanish times. Almost all of them were in a poetic form such
Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salubong and Zarzuela.
a.Christian Doctrine or Doctrina Christiana was the first book ever printed in the
Philippines in 1593 by the Dominican press.
b. Libro de la Lengua Tagala by Fernando Bagongbanta is a tagalog translations to the
Spanish lines, still with the superiority of the Spanish language.
c. Pasyon is influenced by the Spanish contexts of Christianity. At least, they embodied
several Filipino sentiments and values (the feeling of Filipino mother towards a suffering
son).
Filipino writers in Spanish became conscious for the search of freedom

In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados began to
write about the hitch of colonization.
a.Pasyon Dapat Ipag-alab ng Puso by Marcelo H. del Pilar expressed his rebellious writing
style and was identified.
b.Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo made a very powerful contributions to
the awakening of Filipinos as it introduce the rejection of spanish rule. He also influenced
the succeeding writers.
c. Pascual Poblete’s Patnubay sa Binyagan associated Filipinos’ struggle for independence
with Jesus’ life.
The American Colonial Period (1898-1945)

 The Philippine literature in Spanish time started to lose its track on the first decade.
The poems of Fernando Ma. Guerrero (Crisalidas), Balmori’s Se deshojo la Flor novel, and
many others discussed revolution and sentiments for patriotism and reform proved that
Philippine literature was used to claim freedom from the colonizers.
 Even though Philippine literature was in English, the preservation of the content for
Filipino experiences was achieved.
 Short story writers in English like Manuel Arguilla in his “A Son is Born,” were one of the
foundations of Philippine literature. Poetry in English was also founded.
 Sarzuela was overpowered by English drama.
4. The Contemporary Period (1946 to present)
This period started during the rebirth of freedom in (1946 to present). The
Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerrillas fled to the mountain and
joined the liberating American Army. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its
freedom and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.
The State of Literature during this Period
The early post – liberation period was marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and
spirit” posed by the sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild desire to see print.
The New Filipino Literature during this Period
Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in writings dealt
with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the Japanese government, and the
brave guerilla exploits.

What Is Literature

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What Is Literature

Uploaded by

Copyright:

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What is literature?

There were two literary forms during the pre-colonial period:

Literary Influences during Spanish colonization

European legends and traditions

Filipino writers in Spanish became conscious for the search of freedom

The American Colonial Period (1898-1945)

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