Evolution of Philippine Literature

Our forebears or ancestor had
developed their own literature in the

form of songs, epics, myths, folk tales,
and legends.
Most of those primitive forms of the
literature revealed our ancestor’s way of
life, belief system, tradition, norms and
mores.
Literature during this period was
passed through the word of mouth or
the oral tradition.
In a community, the elders or the
parents served as the teacher of a
certain ethnic group’s literature.
Important motifs and features of pre-
colonial literature:
The beginning of life and earth.
Accounts about great people or
supernatural heroes.
The inclusions of Gods and Goddesses.
The inclusions of mythical creatures like
dwende, aswang, tikbalang, and the like.
Themes on morality; good and bad
practices in life.
Daily encounters and activities.
Other forms of pre-
colonial literature:
Short lyrics
Wise saying
Verses for rituals
Chants
Riddles
Christianity was proclaimed by the first group
of colonizers of the land.
They brought numerous and monumental
changes not only in religion, way of life of the
people, culture but also in language and
system of writing.
That Spanish language was introduced as well
as the utilization of Roman alphabet writing.
 They are also the one who introduce to us the
prayers, novenas, and stories about lives of
saints and those taken from bible which was used
to teach values.
 Doctrina Christiana - which was written by friars
in both Tagalog and Spanish languages
contained religious texts like basic prayers such as
the Pater Noster or the “Our Father” and Ave Maria
also known as “Hail Mary” and also the Ten
Commandments among others.
 The Pasion (1593) highlights the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 This book is popularly read and celebrated
during Lenten season.
 Reading this book gives readers a chance to
look into the heroic deed of Jesus driven by love,
mercy, and compassion.
 The lines were recited accompanied by music.
There are several versions of the
Pasion attributed to different
writers like Gaspar Aquino De
Belen, Padre Mariano Pilapil, Padre
Ancieto Dela Merced, and Don Luis
Guian.
Other popular form of literature during
the Spanish occupation:
Comedia de Capa y Espada or Moro-moro
– battle between the Christians and Muslims
Karagatan – poem contest
Duplo – elegy
Sarswela – musical play
Corrido – fast, 8 syllables, content, Ex: Ibong
Adarna
Awit – slow, 12 syllables, moral lessons, Ex:
Florante at Laura
For almost three centuries of being
under the Spanish control, there
were no significant literary
developments.
Various forms of literature emerged
but there was a rich collection of
poetry.
Indeed, Jose Rizal, our national hero,
had written numerous poems that
captured national and international
attention.
His “Mi Ultimo Adios” or “My Last
Farewell” is said by many to be higly
patriotic as it evokes genuine emotion.
Rizal is also remembered for his novel Noli
Me Tangere and its sequel , El
Filibusterismo.
These novels were written to reveal the
abuses of authorities as well as to awaken
the minds of the people. The latter was said
to be dedicated to the three martyrs – the
GOMBURZA.
Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini,
Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Antonio Luna,
Emilio Jacinto, Jose Palma are the
other writers of the nationalistic texts.
 With the coming of American forces in the
Philippines, education was the foremost contribution
from them.
 Part of it was the introduction of the English
language.
 Philippines literature in English flowered and gained
maturity in form and in substance.
 Thus, most works produced during such period
gained national and international recognition.
• 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.
• In the early part of American occupation, Spanish,
Tagalog, and other local languages were used
and later on English was later on used.
• Contemplation as to the conditions of the century
remained as a transcending theme of most works
under such period.
• Imitation of the writing style and method of the
Americans.
In this period, the Panitikan, a group
of aristocratic writers, was formed.
Works perceived to be of no valued
were eliminated.
The display and expression of emotion
were somewhat made controlled.
The comparison of living in rural and urban
became a common focus in most texts.
In poetry, free verse and modern themes
were considered by writers.
However, novels and even theatrical shows
slowly became unpopular as foreign films
were introduced to the people.
The journalist writing was ceased and place
under strict monitoring.
However, this created some positive effects
to Tagalog literature.
Mainly, this period served as the “golden
period” for short stories and Tagalog drama.
 Nationalism, patriotism, and life struggles prevailed
as themes and motifs of texts produced during such
period.
 However, the publication of these works was secretly
done.
 Some of the best stories were written like “Lupang
Tinubuan” by Narciso Reyes and “Dugo at Utak” by
Cornelio S. Reyes.
Haiku
 Japan’s foremost poetic form that became popular.
 5-7-5 syllables, 1 line
 Allegorical in meaning, it is short and covers a wide scope in meaning
Tanaga
 Introduced in the Philippines by Ildefonso Santos.
 17 syllables
 Has measure and rhyme

 Themes on social issues and domestic conditions
were mostly revealed by the texts written during such
period.
 New themes, styles, and techniques were mainly
considered and utilized.
 These changers offered a different taste of literature
to its readers.

Evolution of Philippine Literature

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Evolution of Philippine Literature

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Our forebears or ancestor had

developed their own literature in the

 5-7-5 syllables, 1 line

 Allegorical in meaning, it is short and covers a wide scope in meaning

 Has measure and rhyme

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