Philippine Literature Novels Overview

Philippine Literature

• Novela: A long work of fiction; a key form of Philippine literature, characterized by a focus on the struggles of Filipino heroes. Stories often describe the hardships and triumphs of the main characters
• Underlying themes in Philippine novels: Nationalism, religion, social reform, and love.

Types of Novels

• Spanish Colonial Era: Novels centered on religion, social issues, and national identity.
• American Colonial Era: Novels highlighted everyday concerns and social issues, emphasizing themes of nationalism and social reforms
• Japanese Occupation Era: Novels demonstrated a struggle for freedom and survival during the Japanese occupation. They frequently focused on family life and hardship.
• Post-Independence Era: Novels covered diverse experiences in the post-colonial society and included personal struggles or the issues of societal changes.

Notable Figures

• Jose Rizal - Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; novels that highlighted resistance and revolution
• Pedro Paterno - Ninay; a novel delving into societal issues and conflicts during the Spanish colonial period
• Lualhati Bautista: Ginto ng Kayumangging Lupa; a novel exploring themes of family, community, and identity.

Publication Details

• The novels in the Spanish colonial period were often published in newspapers or magazines.
• The novels from the American colonial period are usually published and printed as books.

Censorship

• Commission Permanente de Censura: A body that monitored and regulated publishing and media in the Philippines during the colonial era, impacting the kinds of stories that could be published.

Significant Eras

• Spanish Era: Novels focused on religion and social reform; examples often included El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere.
• American Era: Novels explored broader social issues and the influence of colonization.
• Japanese Occupation: Novels often reflected themes of hardship and resistance against the occupiers.
• Post-Independence: Stories varied in format, but themes of societal change, struggle, and identity were prominent.

Factors that affected Novels

• Political, social, and religious change: Novels often reflect and react to these influences. This can include themes of social unrest, religious ideals, and political change.
• Publishing norms and guidelines: Censorship during certain periods affected what could be published. This is key to acknowledging how writing changes and evolves based on the time.
• Cultural values and beliefs: Novels sometimes explored beliefs and traditions of the time or reflected on the shift in cultural values.