Prelim PH Lit

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LESSON 1: PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH TIME FRAME OF LITERATURE

To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that Time frames may not be necessary in a study of literature, but since
tells of her past. –Jose Rizal literature and history are inescapably related it has become facilitative to map up a
Hence it is, that to understand the real spirit of a nation, one must “trace system which will aid us in delineating certain time.
the little rills as they course along down the ages, broadening and deepening into The Period of Re-orientation 1898-1910
the great ocean of though which men of the present source are presently The Period of Imitation 1910-1925
exploring”. The Period of Self-Discovery 1925-1941
Japanese Period 1941-1945
LITERATURE (from the Latin word Littera meaning “letters” and referring to an The Rebirth of Freedom 1946-1970
acquaintance with the written word) is the written work of a specific culture, Period of Activism 1970-1972
subculture, religion, philosophy. It is the study of written work which may appear Period of New Society 1972-1981
in poetry or in prose. In order to know the history of a nations spirit, one must read Period of the Third Republic 1981-1985
its literature. Contemporary Period 1986

Brother Azurin, said that “literature expresses the feelings of people to society, to POETRY
the government, to his surroundings, to his fellowmen and to his Divine Creator.” DEFINITION: Form of art in which language is used for its evocative and aesthetic
The expression of one’s feelings, according to him, may be through love, sorrow, qualities in addition to its apparent meaning.
happiness, hatred, anger, pity, contempt, or revenge. ORIGIN: It originates from the Latin word “poeta” that means poet.
PRIMARY GOAL: For selling the language itself as music.
In Panitikang Pilipino written by Atienza, Ramos, Salazar and Naval, it says that
“true literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings PROSE
and emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy in DEFINITION: The most general form of written language that is not
his environment and, after struggles, to reach his Creator.” used for formal patterns of a verse.
ORIGIN: From the Latin word “prosa” which means “straight forward”.
Why do we need to study Philippine Literature? PRIMARY GOAL: For sharing information.
 To better appreciate our literary heritage.
 To appreciate something that we do not understand. Prose consists of those written within the common flow of conversation in
 To trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to us from our forefathers. sentences and paragraphs, while poetry refers to those expressions in verse, with
 To understand ourselves better and take pride in being a Filipino. measure and rhyme, line and stanza and has a more melodious tone.

Our writers have yet to write their OPUS MAGNUMS (magnum opus or a large and TYPES OF PROSE
important work of art, music, or literature, especially one regarded as the most 1. ANECDOTES - Merely products of the writer’s imagination and the aim is to
important work of an artist or writer). bring out lessons to the reader. Ex. The Moth and the Lamp
2. ESSAY - Expresses the viewpoint or opinion of the writer about a particular
problem or event. LESSON 2: ORAL LORE FROM PRE-COLONIAL TIMES
3. BIOGRAPHY - Deals with the life of a person which may be about himself, his Oral lore or “oral tradition” is a form of human communication wherein
autobiography of that of others.Ex. Cayetano Arrelano by Socorro O. Albert knowledge, art, ideas and cultural material is received, preserved and transmitted
4. NEWS - This is a report of everyday events is society, government, science, orally from one generation to another. The transmission is through speech or song
industry, and accidents. or may include folktales, ballads, chants, prose or verses.
5. ORATION - A formal treatment of a subject and is intended to be spoken in In this way, it is possible for a society to transmit oral history, oral
public. It appeals to intellect, to the will or to the emotions of the audience. literature, oral law and other oral knowledge across generations without a writing
system, or in parallel to a writing system.
TYPE OF POETRY
1. NARRATIVE POETRY - (describes important events in life either real or Pre-colonial Literature
imaginary) The variety and abundance of Philippine literature evolved even before
2. LYRIC POETRY - (meant to be sung to the accompaniment of a lyre, but now, this the colonial period. Folks, tales, epics, poems, and marathon chants existed in
applies to any type of poetry that expresses emotions and feelings) most ethno-linguistic groups that were passed on from generation to generation
3. DRAMATIC POETRY through word of mouth. Some of these pre- colonial literary pieces showcased in
4. EPIC - (extended narrative about heroic exploits often supernatural control) Ex: traditional narratives, speeches and songs are “tigmo” in Cebuano, “bugtong” in
The Harvest of Aliguyon tagalog “potototdon” in Bicol and “paktakon” in Ilongo.
5. SONNET - (14-line poem) Ex: Santang Buds by Alfonso P. Santos
6. COMEDY - COMEDY (comes from Greek term “komos” meaning festivity or Philippine epics and folk tales are varied and filled with magical characters. They
revelry. Written with a purpose of amusing) are either narratives of mostly mythical objects, persons or certain places, or epics
7. METRICAL TALE - (narrative written in verse and can be classified as a ballad or telling supernatural events and bravery of heroes, customs and ideologies of a
metrical romance. Ex: Hero of the Fields community. Pre-colonial inhabitants of our islands showcase a rich past through
8. ELEGY - (expresses feelings of grief and melancholy, and whose theme is death) their folk speeches, folk songs, folk narratives and indigenous rituals and mimetic
Ex: The Lover’s Death by Ricardo Demetillo dances and affirm our ties with our Southeast Asian neighbors.
9. MELODRAMA (used in musical plays with the opera. This is related to tragedy
just as farce is to comedy) 1. RIDDLES
10. BALLADS (considered as the shortest and simplest and has simple structure •Made up of one or more measured lines with rhymes and may consist of 4 to 12
and tells a single incident) Ex: The Harvest of Aliguyon syllables
•Showcase the Filipino wit, literary talent, and keen observation of the
surroundings
•Involves reference to one or two images that symbolize the characteristics of an
unknown object that is used to be guessed
EXAMPLES:
Kay lapit lapit na sa mata di mo parin
makita. TAINGA a short poem composed of four lines having its meter and rhyme. The
Araw-araw nabubuhay taon-taon namamatay. KALENDARYO recitation of a loa is participated by two groups of boys and girls who are refuting
May paa’y walang baywang may likod walang tyan. UPUAN/ SALUMPUWIT in a form of poetry.
Hindi hayop, hindi tao, pumupulupot sa tyan mo. SINTURON EXAMPLE:
Itapon mo kahit saan bumabalik sa pinanggalingan. YOYO Rosas, rosas nga kamantigue
Lumabas, pumasok dala-dala ay panggapos. KARAYOM Soltero nga waay nobya, agi.
Wala sa langit wala sa lupa kung tumakbo ay patihaya. BANGKA
Sa buhatan ay may silbi sa igiban ay walang sinabi. BANGKA BASKET/BAYONG Bulak, bulak sang tangkong
Maliit na parang sibat sandata ng mga pantas. PLUMA/PANULAT Dalaga nga wala sang nobyo,
Bulak na bibitin-bitin, di puwedeng balutin. ULAP bingkong.
Dugtong-dugtong nagkakarugtong tanikalang umuugong. TREN
Tapakan ko central, gupi
2. PROVERBS Guwa kalamay, puti.
• Proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that
expresses a truth based on common sense or experience. They are often Didto sa Bohol
metaphorical. May isa ka lalaki nga manol
• These have been customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior Panawag sa kasilyas, City Hall.
by our ancestors. To others, these are like allegories or parables that impart
lessons for the young ones. 4. FOLK SONGS
Examples of Proverbs • A form of folk lyric which expresses the people’s hopes, aspirations and lifestyle.
A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound. People gain • Repetitive and sonorous, didactic and naive.
strength by standing together. • Traditional songs and melodies.
It is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep. While it is • Inspired by the reaction of the people to their environment.
easy to tell people something they do not know, it is much harder if they are Examples of Folk Songs
willfully choosing not to see what is before them. •Uyayi-lullaby
•Kumintang-war song
3. LO-A •Kundiman-melancholic love song
a folk tradition that mirrors the Ilonggo’s folks’ creative or poetic intuition. •Mambayu-Kalingarice-pounding song
It encapsulates in a single form the workings of the creative mind of the Ilonggo •Subli-dance ritual song of courtship or marriage
folks or the common tao – the ordinary souls that one may meet in his daily •Tagulaylay-songs of the dead
existence; housewives, farmers, “istambays”, laborers, teachers, even students.
Ordinary as they are, their lo-a is a proof of an extraordinary mind whose creativity 5. MYTHS AND LEGENDS
flows spontaneously from the soul. Mythology, body of myths of a particular culture, and also the study and
interpretation of myth. It is a complex cultural phenomenon that can be
approached from a number of viewpoints. In general, myth is a narrative that • The Agyu or Olahing of the Manobos is a three-part epic that starts with
describes and portrays in symbolic language, the origin of the basic elements and the pahmara(invocation) then the kepu’unpuun (a narration of the past and the
assumptions of a culture. sengedurog (an episode complete itself). All three parts narrate the exploits of the
Mythic narrative relates for example, how the world began, how humans hero as he leads his people who have been driven out of their land.
and animals are created, and how certain customs gestures, or forms of human • Sandayo of the Subanon tells of the story of the hero with the same
activities originated. name who is born through extraordinary circumstances as he fell out of the hair of
Myths from Different Regions of the his mother while she was combing it on the ninth stroke.
Philippines: The Gods and Goddesses (Ilocos), Why There is a High Tide during a • Aliguyon or the Hudhud of the Ifugaos tells the adventures of Aliguyon
Full Moon (Ibanag), Why the Dead Come Back No More as he battles his arch enemy, Pambukhayon among rice fields and terraces and
(Ifugao), Mag-asawang Tubig(Tagalog), How the Moon and the Stars Came to Be instructs his people to be steadfast and learn the wisdom of warfare and of
(Bukidnon-Mindanao) peacemaking during harvest season.
Traditional narratives or collection of related narratives, popularly
historically factual but actually a mixture of fact and fiction. The medieval Latin
word “legenda” means “things for reading”. A legend is a set of a specific place at a LESSON 3: SPANISH PERIOD
specific time; the subject is often a heroic historical personage. SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
A legend differs from a myth by portraying human hero rather than one • Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565 during the time
who is god. Legends, originally oral, have been developed into literary of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the
masterpieces. Legends are stories of real people who are famous for doing Philippines. Literature started to flourish during his time. The spurt continued
something brave or extraordinary. unabated until the Cavite Revolt in 1872. The Spaniards colonized the Philippines
Examples of Legends from the Philippines for more than three centuries.
The Legend of the Sleeping Beauty (Kalinga) • Magellan conquered and sought alliances among
Legend of the Dama de Noche indigenous Filipinos beginning with Datu Zula, the chieftain of Sugbu (now Cebu)
Legend of the Banana Plant • Magellan’s expedition got involved in the political rivalries between Cebuano
Legend of the Firefly natives and took part in a battle against Lapu-Lapu chieftain of Mactan Island.

6. EPICS SPANISH INFLUENCES IN PHILIPPINE LITERATURE


• A long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the • The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman
deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation. Alphabet.
• Portraying heroic deeds and adventures or covering an extended period of time. • The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious
Examples of ethno-epics popularized by different ethnic groups in the country practices.
• Biag ni Lam-ang(Life of Lam-ang) of the Ilocanos, narrates the • The original religion of early Filipinos was the Animism the worship of
adventures of the prodigious epic hero. Lam-ang who exhibits extraordinary spirit.
powers at an early age. • Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and
other dialects.
• Many grammar books were printed in Filipino like Tagalog, Ilocano, and
Visayan. FAMOUS FILIPINO WRITERS AND THEIR PSEUDONYMS
• Our periodicals during these times have gained a religious tone. Great Literature is simply charged with meaning to the utmost possible
• Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other degree. -Ezra Pound
dialects. The inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was Rizal not only
• Many grammar books were printed in Filipino like Tagalog, Ilocano, and because of his being a national leader but also because of his novels NOLI and FILI.
Visayan. These two novels contained the best qualities of a novel ever written, in English or
• Our periodicals during these times have gained a religious tone. in Filipino. Those who were inspired to write in praise of him were Cecilio Apostol,
Fernando Ma. Guerrero, Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe and Claro M. Recto.
THE FIRST BOOKS DURING THE SPANISH PERIOD
• Ang Doctrina Cristiana (The Christian Doctrine) Jose dela Cruz Huseng Sisiw
• Nuestra Senora del Rosario Marcelo H. Del Pilar Plaridel, Dolores Manapat, Piping
• Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog) Dilat, Siling Labuyo, Kupang,
• Ang Barlaan at Josephat Haitalaga, Patos, Carmelo, D.A.
• The Pasion Murgas, L.O. Crame D.M. Calero,
• Urbana at Felisa Hilario, and M. Dati
• Ang mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary) Severino de las Alas Di-Kilala
Epifanio delos Santos G. Solon
RECREATIONAL PLAYS DURING THE SPANISH PERIOD Valeriano Hernandez Peña Ahas na Tulog, Anong, Damulag,
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Dating Alba, Isang Dukha,
Spanish times. Almost all of them were in poetic form. Kalampag, and Kintin Kulirat
• Tibag Severino Reyes Lola Basyang
• Lagaylay Pedro de Govantes de Azcarraga Conde de Albay
• The Cenaculo Francisco dela Cruz Balagtas Francisco Baltazar
• Panunuluyan Asuncion Lopez Bantug Apo ni Dimas
• The Salubong (or Panubong) (Rizal’s grand niece)
• Carillo (Shadow Play) Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal Dimas-alang (Touch me not)
• The Zarzuela Mercado y Alonso Realonda Laong-Laan (ever-prepared)
• The Sainete Agno
Calambeño
Hugo Salazar Ambut
Moises Salvador Araw
Lope K. Santos Anak-Bayan and Doctor Lukas
Juan Crisostomo Soto Crissot NOLI ME TANGERE
Luis Taruc Alipato (which means spark  Literally translated, the Latin words “Noli Me Tangere” means, “Touch Me
that spreads a fire and one of Rizal’s pet Not”
dogs)  Taken from John 20:17 when Mary Magdalene holds on to Jesus and he tells
Jose Ma. Sison Amado Guerrero her not to touch him.
Dr. Pio Valenzuela Madlang-Away
Clemente Jose Zulueta M. Kaun John 20:17
J. Zuleta Juan Totoo Jesus said to her: “ Stop clinging to me. For I have not yet ascended to the
Gen. Vito Belarmino Blind Veteran Father. But be on your way to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my
ANDRES BONIACIO Agapito Bagumbayan, while his Father and to your Father and to my God and your God.
inspiring Katipunan name was
Maypagasa  It was published in 1887, and its 1891 sequel El Filibusterismo
FELIPE CALDERON Simoun and Elias  The first half of Noli me Tangere was written in Madrid, Spain from 1884-1885
while Dr. José P. Rizal was studying for medicine.
JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS Huseng Batute
 While in Germany, Rizal wrote the second half of Noli me Tangere from time-
MARIANO DEL ROSARIO Tito-Tato
to-time starting February 21, 1887. After he read the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin
ANTONIO K. ABAD Akasia
by Harriet Beecher Stowe, he had an inspiration to write his own novel with
JOSE ABREU Kaibigan
the same topic–to expose Spanish colonial abuse in print.
MACARIO ADRIATICO Amaori, C. Amabri and Felipe Malayo
 Originally written by Rizal in Spanish, the book has since been more
FAUSTINO AGUILAR Sinag-Ina commonly published and read in the Philippines in either Tagalog or English.
EMILIO AGUINALDO Magdalo  The Rizal Law requires Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, to be read by all
VIRGILIO ALMARIO Bagongbuhay high school students throughout the country.
AURELIO ALVERO Magtanggul Asa  The two novels are widely considered to be the national epic of the
CECILIO APOSTOL Catulo, Calipso and Calypso Philippines.
FRANCISCO ARCELLANA Franz Arcellana  They have been adapted in many forms, such as operas, musicals, plays and
SALVADOR VIVENCIO DL ROSARIO X and Juan Tagalo other forms of art.
DOMINGO GOMEZ Romero Franco
NESTOR VICENTE MADALI GONZALEZ N.V.M Gonzales José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere played a crucial role in the political history of
FERNANDO MA. GUERRERO Fluvio Gil the Philippines. Drawing from experience, the conventions of the nineteenth-
AMADO HERNANDEZ Amante Ernani, Herininia de la Riva and century novel, and the ideals of European liberalism, Rizal offered up a devastating
Julio Abril critique of a society under Spanish colonial rule.
EMILIO JACINTO Dimas-ilaw and his Katipunan name was
Pingkian OVERVIEW
The plot revolves around Crisostomo Ibarra, mixed-race heir of a wealthy  The English version of the novel was meant for international audience.
clan, returning home after seven years in Europe and filled with ideas on how to  Ignite the long lost hearts of his fellow countrymen to stand up against the
better the lot of his countrymen. Striving for reforms, he is confronted by an Spanish foes leading them towards freedom
abusive ecclesiastical hierarchy and a Spanish civil administration by turns
indifferent and cruel. The novel suggests, through plot developments, that CHARACTERS
meaningful change in this context is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. 1. Juan Crisostomo Ibarra - A wealthy young mestizo who has just returned to the
Philippines after seven years of studying in Europe, Ibarra is sophisticated, highly
JOSE RIZAL esteemed, and very idealistic.
 Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda 2. Maria Clara - A woman of high social standing, she is thought to be the daughter
 Born on June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna and Died on December 30, 1896 of Capitan Tiago and goddaughter of Father Dámaso.
 A patriot, physician, and a man of letters who was an inspiration to the 3. Father Damaso - An old, power-hungry, and shamelessly corrupt Spanish priest
Philippine nationalist movement. who has lived among the native Filipinos for nearly two decades.
 The son of a prosperous landowner, Rizal was educated in Manila and at the 4. Elias - A mysterious character, Elías is a man on the run from the law who
University of Madrid. resents both the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church, despite his
 His mother, Teodora Alonso, a highly educated woman, exerted a powerful strong religious convictions.
influence on his intellectual development. 5. Father Salvi - A younger, more cunning Spanish priest who assumes control over
 A brilliant medical student, he soon committed himself to the reform of Father Damaso’s post as friar curate of San Diego.
Spanish rule in his home country. 6. Captain Tiago - A wealthy Filipino who is native- born. He keeps close ties with
 Most of his writings was done in Europe, where he resided between 1882 and high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, despite actually having no respect
1892. for religion, and shamelessly joins in others' racist insults against his own people.
 He is remarked as a hero who despises bloodbath and fought in a remarkable 7. The Ensign - The nameless head of the Civil Guard of the township of San Diego.
manner of using pen, ink and paper. 8. Doña Consolacion - The pugnacious wife of The Ensign, Doña Consolación is an
older Filipina woman who is ashamed of her heritage and pretends to be unable to
REASONS/EVENTS speak Tagalog, her own native language.
 Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere to expose social ills of his time and critique 9. Don Rafael Ibarra - Crisóstomo Ibarra’s father is posthumously mentioned in the
Philippine society. novel. A critic of the corrupt practices of the Spanish friars, he earns the ire of the
 A response to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and its brutal vitriolic Father Dámaso, who accuses him of sedition and heresy. He dies in prison
treatment of Filipinos. before his name can be cleared.
 To disprove the wrong accusations of the Spaniards to the Filipinos and to the 10. Crispin - A young boy studying to be a church caretaker, Crispín and his brother
Philippines. Basilio work ceaselessly to send support money to their beleaguered mother, Sisa.
 To express everything about the wrong use of religion or the exploitation of 11. Basilio - Crispín's older brother. Like his younger brother, he works as a sexton.
the word of God which the friars used for them to benefit and corrupt people. Basilio makes a desperate run for their home the night Crispín is dragged away and
 Rizal’s choice to write the novel in Spanish was intentional, as he proposed attempts to locate his younger brother the day after, but his search efforts are
assimilation with the Spanish rather than independence. fruitless.
12. Tiburcio de Espadaña - A fraud and a hustler, the Spaniard who calls himself 25. Andeng - Foster sister of Maria Clara who cooks well. She is the caretaker of
Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña was actually a customs officer who was dismissed Kapitan Tiago's house in San Diego.
from his post shortly after arriving in the Philippines. 26. Kapitana Tica and
13. Doña Victorina - A brazen and determined Filipina social climber, Doña 27. Kapitan Basilio - Mother and father of Sinang (Kapitan Basilio is not the same as
Victorina is the spouse of the counterfeit doctor, Tiburcio de Espadaña. She is well Basilio) Albino Ex-seminarian who became disillusioned with the Catholic church.
past her prime and relies on garish make-up to carry on a façade of youth. Admirer of Victoria.
14. Lt. Guevara - A morally upright man of Spanish descent who holds both 28. Pedro - Father of Crispin and Basilio and the husband of Sisa. He is an
Crisóstomo Ibarra and the late Don Rafael in high esteem, he is also the lieutenant irresponsible husband.
of the Civil Guard.
15. Linares - Dr. de Espadaña’s nephew, a respectable young Spanish man. Like his SETTING: Town of San Diego
uncle, he has forged credentials and hopes to climb through the social ranks. THEME: Power, abuse, religion, reforms, education, and isolation
16. The School Master - A teacher that Don Rafael housed, thus allowing him to
suitably attend to the task of instructing students; he informs Crisóstomo Ibarra of EL FILIBUSTERISMO
the sorry state of education of San Diego since the passing of his father. El Filibusterismo was the second and last novel completed by José Rizal
17. Don Filipo - a representative of younger, less the religiously shackled (though he left behind the unfinished manuscript of a third one), El Filibusterismo
generation of movers and shakers in San Diego, and he also serves as the vice is a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. Rizal penned "El Filibusterismo" between 1890 and
mayor of the town. 1891 during his stay in Europe, specifically in cities like London, Paris, and Brussels.
18. The Mayor - Nothing more than a marionette of the Catholic priesthood, the The novel was written during a period of intense political activism and personal
unnamed mayor of San Diego is very conservative and bows down to the religious struggles for Rizal. He was deeply concerned about the social and political
officials of the town. conditions in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. Rizal completed "El
19. The Yellow Man - An assassin tasked to kill the younger Ibarra, his plot to Filibusterismo" in Biarritz, France, in March 1891, and it was first published in
murder the young man is thwarted by the cunning Elias Ghent, Belgium, in September 1891. The novel, darker and more intense than its
20. Sisa - The long-suffering mother of sextons-in-training Crispin and Basilio, she predecessor, reflects Rizal's growing frustrations and the shift in his vision from
goes mad upon the loss of her sons. Impoverished and married to a violent peaceful reform to revolutionary change.
drunkard, she is allied only with her sons. One significant event that greatly influenced José Rizal in writing "El
21. Father Sibyla - A priest serving in the Binondo district in the city of Manila, Filibusterismo" was the persecution and eventual execution of the Gomburza
Father Sibyla serves as a foil to the otherwise largely corrupt Father Dámaso and priests —Mariano Gómez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—in 1872. The Spanish
the perverse Father Salví as he is rational and calm. colonial government accused these three Filipino priests of leading a mutiny in
22. Aunt Isabel - A cousin of Capitan Tiago who raised Maria Clara as her own child Cavite, though they were widely believed to be innocent. Their execution by
after her mother’s untimely death. garrote had a profound impact on Rizal, inspiring him to fight against the injustices
23. Old Tasio - An old man who previously studied philosophy and is believed to be of Spanish rule in the Philippines.
crazy by most of the community. The memory of Gomburza fueled Rizal's desire to expose the cruelty and
24. Doña Pía Alba - Mother of Maria Clara corruption of the Spanish authorities in his writings. In "El Filibusterismo," the
character of Padre Florentino is a tribute to these priests, and the themes of
injustice and oppression are central to the novel. The event marked a turning point depression after Maria enters the convent, leading him to develop an opium
in Rizal's life, deepening his resolve to use his writings as a means to advocate for addiction, fueled by his association with Padre Irene. Capitan Tiago hires Basilio as
change and justice in his homeland. a servant-student, who eventually becomes his caregiver and estate manager. He
dies from shock after hearing of Basilio’s arrest and tales of violent revolt.
CHARACTERS 8. Kapitan Henral - The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during the Spanish
1. Simoun - the alter ego of Crisostomo Ibarra from Noli Me Tangere, is a wealthy colonial period, the Captain-General is Simoun’s friend and confidant. He is driven
jeweler who disguises himself after being presumed dead. With his tanned skin, by an insatiable lust for gold, which Simoun exploits to manipulate him and drive
sparse beard, long white hair, and blue-tinted glasses, he’s a mysterious and the country towards revolution. After a public rebuke, he is shamed into not
sometimes confrontational figure. Although he appears arrogant, he secretly plans extending his tenure in the Philippines.
a violent revolution to avenge his past and accelerate Elias’ reformist goals. 9. Father Camorra - is the parish priest of Tiani and often mocks Ben- Zayb’s liberal
2. Basilio - the son of Sisa from Noli Me Tangere, is a hardworking student on the views, despite their contrasting appearances. Known for his insatiable lust, Father
verge of earning his medical degree. As Captain Tiago’s protege, he dreams of a Camorra’s actions ultimately lead Juli to take her own life after he tries to assault
better future through education. Despite his success, he remains indifferent to her within the convent. Due to his misconduct, he is placed under “house arrest” in
society’s needs. his order’s lavish riverside villa just outside of Manila.
3. Isagani - Basilio’s friend and aspiring poet, is the passionate and idealistic 10. Father Salvi - The former parish priest of San Diego, is now the director and
nephew of Father Florentino. He values his principles above all else, even when it chaplain of the Santa Clara convent. Implied to have assaulted Maria Clara, he
costs him his relationship with his girlfriend, Paulita Gomez. remains fearful of Ibarra’s potential revenge.
4. Father Florentino - Isagani’s uncle and a retired priest, is a respected figure 11. Father Hernando Dela Sibayla - Introduced in Noli Me Tangere as the curate of
despite his past romantic entanglements. Having chosen priesthood over love, he Binondo, Father Sibyla now serves as the director and chaplain of the University of
represents the secular Filipino priests of Rizal’s time. His character also emphasizes Santo Tomas. He is a liberal friar who values reason.
Rizal’s opposition to a bloody revolt. 12. Fathehr Millon - Dominican priest who serves as a physics professor at the
5. Placido Penitente - A University of Santo Tomas student, reluctantly continues University of Santo Tomas.
his studies at his mother’s request. After clashing with his physics professor and 13. Paulita Gomez - Isagani’s girlfriend and Doña Victorina’s niece, Paulita
meeting Simoun, he becomes a devoted follower of Simoun’s revolutionary cause. eventually breaks up with Isagani to marry Juanito Pelaez, believing she has no
His name, which translates to “silent suffering,” reflects his temperament and future with Isagani.
struggle. 14. Don Custodio - Custodio de Salazar y Sanchez de Monteredondo is a contractor
6. Father Irene - As Capitan Tiago’s spiritual adviser, is criticized for his alliance tasked with developing a proposal for a Spanish language academy. An opportunist
with temporal authority for power and monetary gain. Despite receiving gifts from and social climber, he is portrayed as incompetent and laughably ineffective.
the student association, he betrays them by advising against their vision of a 15. Quiroga - A Chinese businessman aspiring to become a consul for China in the
secular, privately managed school. He secretly supplies Capitan Tiago with opium, Philippines. Simoun coerces him into hiding weapons in his warehouses for the
and upon Basilio’s imprisonment, ensures Basilio inherits nothing from Tiago’s planned revolution.
estate.
7. Don Santiago de los Santos - Maria Clara’s father, is a wealthy landowner with
properties in Pampanga, Binondo, and Laguna. Despite his wealth, he falls into
SETTINGS: been celebrated yearly in the Ati-atihan festival since the late 1950s when it
El Filibusterismo" is set in the Philippines during the late 19th century, became a part of the annual feast of the Santo Niño in Kalibo, Aklan.
under Spanish colonial rule, and its story takes place in various locations that
highlight the social and political issues of the time. Manila, the capital, is a key PEDRO ALCANTARAMONTECLARO (Author of Maragtas)
setting where much of the novel's political intrigue occurs, particularly at the Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro y Nacionales was born on October 15, 1850.
university and in the homes of the wealthy. He was a historian, a scholar, a soldier and a patriot, a composer of
The forest is portrayed as a place of secrecy, where the main character, Spanish, Hiligaynon, and kinaray-a songs and poems, a good father and husband, a
Simoun, conceals his revolutionary plans. The home of Capitan Tiago in Manila is dedicated public servant, a born leader, and a man of high integrity. During his
another central setting where many characters gather, symbolizing the moral term of office and until the subsequent years, he was addressed respectfully as
decay of the Filipino elite under Spanish influence. Capitan Pedro. However, he was also popularly called Tan Pedro.
Monteclaro regarded legends as an important part of Visayan heritage so
MARAGTAS he collected the various stories of the elderly of Panay and published them in his
How do historians know about events that occurred in the Philippines Maragtas. Some people have claimed that Monteclaro actually translated
before the time of the Spaniards? How do they know the names of the people who Maragtas from an ancient prehispanic manuscript but in the preface of the book
lived then and the things they did if there are almost no authentic written he clearly stated that he himself was its author. And although he did refer to two
documents from that era? old written documents, he said that he did not publish them due to their poor
Much of what we know about the prehispanic era came to us through condition and he did not imply that they were transcribed in his book.
legends. These are stories that were not written but were spoken by each
generation to its following generation. Why did monteclaro WrIte Maragtas?
Many legends are usually nothing more than stories about the creation of Maragtas was written by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro in 1907 as a
the world, the first man and woman and such. It is easy to see that these are not collection of the legends of the island of Panay in the Philippines. He
meant to be regarded as fact. There are some legends that may have a been based wrote it in a mixture of Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a,
on actual events but they are not reliable records of the past because legends can the languages of his birthplace, Miag-ao in the south of Panay.
change with each telling. Often a teller's memory can be weak or mistaken or the The full title of the book is:
teller may even add or remove parts of the story just to spice it up. Maragtás kon (historia) sang pulô nga Panay kutub sg iya una nga
pamuluyö, tubtub sg pag-abut sg mga taga Borneo nga amó ang ginhalinan sg mga
THE LEGEND OF MARAGTAS bisayâ, kag sg pag-abut sg mga Katsilâ.
The stories known as the Maragtas are legends that may or may not be “Maragtas or (history) of Panay Island from the first inhabitants, until the
based on actual events in the remote past. They are about the ten datus or chiefs arrival of the Borneans from which the Bisayans are descended, to the arrival of
who escaped the tyranny of Datu Makatunaw of Borneo and immigrated to the the Spaniards”.
island of Panay. Once there, they supposedly bought the lowland plains of the Montecaro wrote the book not to seek praise but to share the knowledge
island from Marikudo, the leader of the indigenous Aytas, for the price of a solid he gathered from various records. He claims the Maragtas is an original work
gold salakot (hat). According to the legend, these ten chiefs and their families are based on the data he collected, which includes details about the lives of the first
the very ancestors of the entire Visayan population. This is the legend that has people in Panay Island and references to Spanish terms and modern theories.
CHARACTERS: URBANA AND FELIZA
1. Sultan Makatunao - Ruler of the Borneo “Urbana at Felisa” (1864) is a novel written by Presbitero D. Modesto de
2. Datu Sumakwel - Became the ruler of the Bisaya people Castro. This was immensely popular from the 19th century to the first half of
3. Datu Puti - The Prime Minister of Makatunao who led the Datus’ escape from the 20th century. The book provides advice on proper conduct and values for a
Borneo Christian family from the middle class. The narrative is told through a collection of
4. Datu Paiborong - He seek help from Datu Sumakwel in the beginning of 34 letters shared between three siblings: Urbana, Felisa, and Honesto.
Maragtas. The Spanish colonial period deeply influenced "Urbana at Feliza, "with
5. Chief Marikudo - Ruler of the Aninipay Catholicism shaping Filipino customs and values. The book reflects Catholic
OTHER Datus SIDE CHARACTERS teachings on proper behavior, modesty, and respect for authority. Part of a
6. Datu Balensuela Pabulanan – the wife of Datu Paiborong broader trend of moral and religious literature in the 19th century, it offered
7. Datu Bangkaya Kapinangan – wife of Datu Sumakwel guidance on virtuous living. Additionally, the Spanish government' s educational
8. Datu Dumalogdog Katorong – wife of Datu Bangkaya and sibling of Datu reforms made the book a key text for teaching manners and morality in schools.
Sumakwel
9. Datu Domingsel Kabiling – wife of Datu Domangsol PRESBITERO D. MODESTO DECASTRO
10. Datu Dumangsol Ribongsapaw – wife of Datu Padahinog 1819- 1864
11. Datu Lubay Pinampangan – wife of Datu Puti Presbitero Modesto de Castro was a Filipino priest and writer during the
12. Datu Padahinog Maniwantiwan – Wife of Marikudo Spanish colonial period. He was born in Biñan, Laguna, and was a significant figure
Balingaga – the daughter of Katurong and Datu in Philippine literature, known for his didactic works that aimed to instruct and
Bangkaya guide Filipinos in moral and social matters. His prose is considered a foundation of
Ilehay & Ilohay – the children of Pabulanan and Datu classical Tagalog literature. “Urbana at Felisa” is his most well-known work and is
Paiborong considered an important piece in the canon of Filipino literature and he was
recognized as the "Father of Classical Prose in Tagalog."
SETTING
Time: Year 1212 TRIVIA
Place: Panay - an island belonging to Western Visayas (Region VI) in the central Urbana at Felisa is one of the earliest examples of the epistolary novel in
Philippines. It is divided into 4 provinces namely Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. Philippine literature, a format that uses letters to tell the story.
Borneo - Island in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago; The novel was widely read and used as a moral guidebook during the
south of the Philippines Spanish period in the Philippines. It was so influential that it became a standard
reading material in schools for decades.
Urbana at Felisa remains a significant work in Philippine literature,
offering insights into the social values and moral teachings during the Spanish
colonial period.
CHARACTERS MORAL
1. Urbana - The elder sister who writes letters to her younger sister, Feliza. Urbana The novel "Urbana at Felisa" inspires readers to pursue purity, honesty,
represents wisdom, morality, and the epitome of good manners. Her name and integrity in both their actions and relationships. It emphasizes the importance
suggests “urbanidad” or civility. of faith in overcoming life's challenges, as Urbana and Felisa turn to their beliefs
2. Feliza - The younger sister who often seeks guidance from Urbana. Felisa is for comfort and strength during times of sorrow and tough decisions. The story
curious, eager to learn, and represents the typical young woman of the time who is also underscores the value of education, not only as a means of gaining knowledge
guided by the moral teachings of her elders. but also as a tool for building character and shaping well-rounded individuals.
3. Honesto - Urbana and Felisa’s brother who is mentioned in the letters. His name Moreover, "Urbana at Felisa" highlights the significance of following social norms
suggests honesty, and he is used as an example in discussions of male conduct. and etiquette, especially during an era when societal expectations strongly
4. Amadeo - A suitor of Felisa, mentioned in the letters. His character represents influenced people’s lives.
the proper conduct and virtues expected of a suitor in Filipino society.

SETTING
 Spanish colonial period
 Manila, Philippines - Urbana lives in Manila, a busy city with lots of trade and
schools.
 Paombong, Bulucan Felisa and Honesto remain in their hometown of
Paombong, a municipality in Bulacan province, north of Manila. This town
represents a more rural setting compared to Manila, where traditional values
and family ties are strong.

THEME
 Family
 Perseverance
 Conduct Etiquete
 Justice

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