Philippine Literary History Overview

Questions and Answers

Who is the supreme god in Philippine mythology?

Bathala (correct)

Tala

Mayari

Apolaki

The Monkey and the Tortoise is an example of a fable that conveys a moral lesson.

True

What is the significance of the term 'Alamat' in relation to the stories mentioned?

It refers to legends or traditional stories in Filipino culture.

The tale of how the _____ came about involves a young man's envy towards a woman's chosen suitor.

banana Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Myth = A well-known story explaining natural events Legend = A traditional story regarded as historical Fable = Uses animals as characters conveying a moral Epic = A long narrative poem recounting deeds of a hero Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'father of Tagalog Plays'?

Severino Reyes Signup and view all the answers

The literature from the pre-colonial period of the Philippines was mainly written and not oral.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are 'salawikain' commonly used for?

To express an obvious truth. Signup and view all the answers

The folk song 'Dandansoy' is an example of ______.

Kundiman Signup and view all the answers

Match the following forms of literature with their descriptions:

Riddles = Statements that use figurative language Proverbs = Short sayings expressing truths Lullabies = Songs to soothe children Zarzuelas = A form of musical theater in the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philippine Literary History Overview

Philippine literature has evolved from pre-colonial times to contemporary eras, influenced by geographical, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions.
Geographic dimension relates to the characteristics of a specific region.
Linguistic dimension involves different languages and forms used in literary works.
Ethnic dimension refers to cultural groups sharing common traits such as language and customs.

Severino Reyes

Born on February 11, 1861, and died on September 15, 1942.
Known as "Lola Basyang," he was a prominent Filipino playwright.
Authored 26 zarzuelas and 22 dramas, earning titles as the "father of Tagalog plays" and the "father of Tagalog zarzuela."

Pre-Colonial Period

Existed before Spanish colonization (1500s).
Primarily oral literature reflecting ancient Filipino life.
Literature was sourced from local townsfolk.

Forms of Literature in Pre-Colonial Period

Riddles: Metaphorical statements posed as questions, e.g., "Kay lapit na sa mata, di mo pa nakikita."
Proverbs (Salawikain): Short sayings conveying universal truths, e.g., "Kung ano ang puno siya rin ang bunga."
Myths: Traditional stories explaining natural events and beliefs.
Legends: Accounts regarded as historical but unverified.
Fables: Stories using animals to impart morals.
Epics: Long narratives recounting heroic deeds, like "Biag ni Lam-ang."

Philippine Mythology and Deities

Featured gods like Bathala (supreme god) and Mayari (goddess of the moon).
Other gods include Tala (stars), Apolaki (sun), and Lakapati (fertility).

Major Publications through Eras

Spanish Period: Newspapers like "El Heraldo dela Revolucion" and "La Independencia."
American Period: Works such as "Liwayway" and "Bannawag" flourished, addressing social issues and painting realistic portrayals of life.
Japanese Period: Literature focused on Filipino language, creative works reflected social injustices and nationalism.

The Republic and Subsequent Periods

1941-1945: Period marked by literary revival in Tagalog highlighting struggles against Japanese rule.
1946-1970: Post-liberation saw an explosion of literary forms, including enhanced poetry and realistic short stories.
1970-1972 (Period of Activism): Youth-led expressions fueled by demands for government change emerged in literature.
1972-1980 (New Society): Literature reflected themes of patience, respect for culture, and nature amid ongoing societal changes.
1981-1985 (Third Republic): Poetry became romantic and revolutionary, exploring themes of grief, aspirations for freedom, and love.
1986-1995 (Post-EDSA 1 Revolution): A new era of Philippine literature marked by significant cultural shifts evident in media and public expressions.

Description

Explore the evolution of Philippine literature from the pre-colonial era to contemporary times. This quiz highlights the influences of geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions on literary works, along with the contributions of key figures like Severino Reyes. Test your knowledge on various forms of literature and their cultural significance.