Literary History Timeline: Pre-Hispanic Literature

Pre-Hispanic Literature

• Baybayin was an ancient writing system used in the Philippines.
• Folktales, such as "The Moon and the Sun", taught lessons about life.
• Epics, like "Biag ni Lam-Ang", were long narrative poems about heroic achievements.
• Folksongs, like "Kundiman" and "Kumintang", were one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature.

Spanish Regime

• Baybayin was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
• The teaching of Christian doctrine (Catholicism) became the basis of religious practices.
• European legends and traditions were assimilated into Filipino songs, corridos, and moro-moro.
• Folk songs, such as "Leron-Leron Sinta" and "Pamulinawen", showed the artistic feelings of Filipinos.
• Recreational plays, like Cenaculo and Zarzuela, were performed during the Spanish era.

Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898)

• The Propaganda Movement was led by intellectuals like Jose Rizal, Marcelo Del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena.
• Jose Rizal wrote "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo".
• Marcelo Del Pilar wrote "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" and "Kaingat Kayo".
• Graciano Lopez Jaena wrote "Ang Fray Botod" and "La Hija Del Fraile".

American Regime (1898-1946)

• Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse.
• Literature during this period was characterized by the use of Spanish, Tagalog, and regional dialects.
• Writers in Tagalog continued to lament the conditions of the country and promote love for one's native tongue.
• Writers in English imitated American themes and methods.

Japanese Period (1941-1945)

• The Japanese invasion halted Philippine literature in English.
• English newspapers were stopped except for the Tribune and Philippine Review.
• Poems during this period focused on nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
• Three types of poems emerged: Haiku, Tanaga, and Karaniwang Anyo.

Philippine Literature in English

• Literature in English experienced a dark period during this time.
• Many books were published in both Filipino and English.
• The New Filipino Literature revived Philippine literature in Tagalog.
• Themes dealt with Japanese brutalities, poverty, and guerilla exploits.

Period of Activism (1970-1972)

• Imagery is a poetic element that creates a mental image through figural language.
• It represents objects, places, ideas, or actions that appeal to the senses of the readers.