Definition of Literature

Definition of Literature

• According to Harper (2014), literature means "book-learning," derived from the Latin "literatura/litteratura," which initially meant "writing formed with letters" and dates back to the early 15th century
• Rexroth (2025) defines literature as a body of written works, traditionally visionary poetry and prose defined by writers' goals and aesthetic perfection; It can be classified by language, national origin, historical period, genre, and theme
• Mark (2009) notes Enheduanna, the high-priestess of Ur (2285-2250 BCE), as the world's first known author, who wrote poems for the Sumerian goddess Inanna, Mesopotamian early literature focused on gods, later including humans as major characters
• Literature is divided into fiction and non-fiction but ancient literature was understood differently before literacy
• Godinez-Ortega (2015) states Philippine literature's diversity grew with the country's history, understood through pre-colonial traditions and colonial/contemporary sociopolitical histories
• The average Filipino is unfamiliar with indigenous literature due to the instilled idea that Philippine history began around 1521, nationalistic pride in the 1960s/1970s helped shift this attitude
• Jimenez (2020) notes Philippine literature commonly uses short, interpersonal sentences with themes of family, dogmatic love, and persistence, uses commas, conjunctions, and Filipino-English/Taglish
• Philippine literature includes oral/written works by Filipinos (native, naturalized, or foreign-born) about their Philippine experiences
• It is produced in various locations, including foreign places with Filipino migrants, and uses indigenous or borrowed forms
• A product is a reflection and reaction to its time, place, and people

Why Study Philippine Literature

• Ruz (2019) states countries have unique literary works reflecting their context, with Philippine literature representing the nation's identity, struggles, and resilience
• Studying Philippine literature offers insights into the Filipino soul and journey of self-definition
• Literature tells about a country's civilization in a form other than straight fact
• Garcia (2013) suggests studying literature is the best way to fully understand human nature and know a nation completely
• Principe states Filipinos need to study Philippine literature to promote cultural richness in various languages
• Kahayon (1989) states that we need to study Philippine Literature to:
  • Appreciate our literary heritage
  • To realize limitations by historical factors to overcome;
  • To assimilate to other cultures
  • To show Filipinos' love and pride for our culture by studying our literature

General Functions of Literature & What we can learn from it

• Espina (2020) states that people better appreciate heritage, trace ideas from forefathers
• Study of literature allows understanding/pride in being a Filipino, assimilation, and literary influences from historical factors/events
• Literature allows for reflection and discovery of different functions
• Product of human culture with two general functions:
  • Literature of Power- to move the heart and mind of the readers
  • Literature of Knowledge- to teach with values, messages, and themes
• Literature develops feelings, ideas, and interests by:
  • Giving knowledge of particularities beyond science/philosophy
  • Helping humans perceive, imagine, and relieve emotions (Espina, 2020)
• Nuggets (2004) names literature as one of the seven arts, a creative product for information, amusement, pleasure, upliftment, and discovery
• Literature helps readers grow emotionally/intellectually, providing an objective base and linking readers to cultural/religious worlds
• Helps recognize human dreams/struggles, develop compassion, appreciate beauty, and see worthiness, exercising emotions and clarifying identities
• Maglaya (2014) states in Philippine Literature K-12, one can understand history/trace heritage through literature, understand themselves, realize limitations, and manifest concern for their culture by studying it

Pre-Colonial Period

• Notable native achievements occurred between the 16th century to the 9th century or earlier, but many were lost or retrofitted due to over three centuries of colonial rule
• Pre-Colonial Philippines was complex and dynamic with advanced agriculture, martial arts, and maritime trade, which led to crops and barangays
• The pre-colonial period refers to the time before the arrival of European colonists in the Americas, which began with Christopher Columbus's voyage of 1492

Types of Literature during Pre-Colonial Period

• Epics - Long narrative poems recounting heroic deeds, like “Biag ni Lamang” (Ilocano), "Hudhud ni Aliguyon” (Ifugao), “Hinilawod” (Panay), and “Darangen” (Maranao)
• Folk songs - Traditional songs expressings emotions, daily life, and social customs.
• Legends and Myths - Stories about supernatural beings and origins of places or customs.
• Proverbs - Short, wise sayings conveying life lessons.

Spanish-Colonial Period

• Spanish colonial strategy undermined native oral tradition by replacing it with the Passion of Christ story (Lumbera, p. 14)
• The native tradition survived in inaccessible areas due to tardiness and lack of assiduity
• Spanish colonial motives were not strictly commercial
• They viewed the Philippines as a stepping-stone to the Spice Islands
• Central government in Manila had a medieval cast
• The king ruled the Islands through the viceroy of Mexico
• In 1821, the king ruled the Philippines through a governor general
• A special government body oversaw the colonies, such as Council of the Indies (1565-1837), Overseas Council (1837-1863), and Ministry of the Colonies (1863–1898); it implemented the decrees and legal codes Spain promulgated

Types of Literature during the Spanish-Colonial Period

• Panulayan - A play decipting the search for shelter for Mary and Joseph
• Comedia - A secular drama with comedic elements
• Duplo - A form of parlor theater with debate like elements
• Awit - A type of poem often focusing on heroic tales.
• Corrido Metrical romances with a narrative structure, often featuring heroic themes.

Propaganda and Revolutionary Period

• Propaganda Movement's adherents expressed loyalty to the government, Spanish authorities harshly repressed the movement and executed Jose Rizal
• Pamphlets were another important medium of revolutionary propaganda during the American Revolution.
• In 1888, Graciano Lopez Jaena established the newspaper La Solidaridad in Barcelona, where José Rizal y Mercado was a prominent contributor
• López Jaena, Rizal, and Marcelo del Pilar emerged as the three most prominent members of the Propaganda Movement

Types of Literature during Propaganda and Revolutionary Period

• Political essays Published in newspapers like “La Solidaridad to critique Spanish policies and injustices.
• Novels - Primary used to depict the harsh realities of colonial wife, which included “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”
• Pamphlets - Short, persuasive texts spreading ideas about reform and revolution
• Poetry - Often used to inspire revolutionary fervor
• Proclamations - Official documets announcing revolutionary goals

American Colonial Period

• American occupation of the Philippines brought major changes to the country's literary landscape
• Literacy rates rose, and English became the dominant language due to English being taught in schools
• University of the Philippines was founded in 1908, where elite English writers began to exert influence
• The UP Writer's Club was founded in 1926
  • One of the most influential works from this period, Dead Stars (1925) by Paz Marquez Benitez, is regarded as the first modern Philippine story

Types of Literature during the American Period

• Poetry – Expressed nationalism and social issues
• Short Stories - Gained popularity, often depicting social realities
• Novels – Explored colonial rule and cultural conflicts
• Essays - Used in newspapers to discuss politics and culture
• Drama – Theatrical plays blended native and Western themes
• Journalism – Newspapers and magazines thrived, shaping intellectual discourse
• Folklore & Oral Literature – Traditional legends, myths, and folk tales persisted

Japanese Occupation

• The Japanese imposed strict censorship and promoted Tagalog, while banning English publications
• Literature was heavily influenced by propaganda, with themes of suffering, patriotism, and resistance
• Japanese literary influences, such as Haiku and Tanaga, became popular, and publications like Liwayway magazine played a crucial role
• Significant novels included Without Seeing the Dawn by Stevan Javellana

Types of Literature During the Japanese Occupation

• Poetry – Haiku and Tanaga became popular, with themes of nationalism and suffering
• Short Stories – Focused on Filipino resilience and war struggles
• Drama – Depicted rural life with hidden patriotic messages
• Journalism & Propaganda – Newspapers were controlled, and underground writings fueled resistance
• Essays & Chronicles – Personal accounts of war hardships
• Novels - Limited due to censorship; some works on Filipino heroism emerged post-war

Post-War and Martial Law Era to Contemporary Literature

• Philippine literature took on a more diverse and experimental approach and writers began exploring new forms and styles
• Works were now being written in English & Tagalog, reflecting the nation's multilingual nature
• The Woman Who Had Two Navels by Nick Joaquin, discusses colonial history
• The Martial Law era gave rise to charged literature, including Lualhati Bautista's Dekada '70, a novel that critiques dictatorship
• Here the mediums of information were suppressed

Development of Literary Forms

• Poetry Poems became more expressive and experimental as writers started implementing new themes
• Drama - Stage plays tackled political issues, history, and cultural traditions.
• Journalism and Essays Writers used journalism and essays to voice opinions on politics, governance, and post-war challenges.
• Digital and Online Literature which includes: Blogs, social media poetry (e.g., spoken word and slam poetry), web fiction, and self-published e-books which have gained popularity among Millennials and Gen Zs.

General Types of Literature: Prose

• Originally, the word prose originated from the Latin "prosa" meaning straightforward discourse. In the New Oxford American dictionary Prose is defined as "written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure."
• According to (Gangni, 2019) Prose is often concerned with the writer's experience, speculation or their preference.
• The types of Prose include
  • Novel
  • Short Story
  • Plays
  • Legends
  • Fables
  • Anecdotes
  • Essay
  • Biography
  • Autobiography
  • History
  • News
  • Oration

General Types of Literature: Poetry

• According to Nemerov (2023), poetry, literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm.
• The types of Poetry include:
  • Narrative is a from of poetry that describes important events in life either real or imaginary which may then be split into:
    • Epics
    • Metrical Tales
    • Ballads
  • Lyric is a from of poetry that refers to any type of poetry that expresses emotions and feelings of the poet. They are usually short, simple and easy to understand which may then be split into:
    • Folksongs (Awiting Bayan)
    • Sonnets
    • Elegy
    • Ode
    • Psalms (Dalit)
    • Awit (Song)
    • Corridos (Kuridos)
  • Dramatic is form of poetry with subcategories based of feeling that is presented:
    • Comedy
    • Melodrama
    • Tragedy
    • Farce
    • Social Poems