Philippine Literature Periods

• Philippine Literature occurs across several periods

Martial Law Period

• Writers used symbolism and allegories to avoid censorship while expressing dissent

Religious Literature

• The Pasyon was first popularized by Gaspar Aquino de Belen

Period of Apprenticeship

• The American Colonial Period is when Filipino writers developed literary skills under Western influence

Pre-Colonial Literature

• Forms like epics, songs, and proverbs existed, but Insta-Poetry was not yet present

Doctrina Christiana

• Written to prescribe proper decorum and guide Christian living

Key Literary Works and Genres

• Dramatization of Pasyon: The Senakulo is a stage play depicting the Passion of Christ
• Florante at Laura: Fits the Korido category due to its meter, though some consider it awit
• Japanese Occupation Literature: Tagalog writers broke from the Balagtas tradition, embracing free verse
• Example: “Kung mag-aalaga ka lamang din ng bulaklak, piliin mo na ang rosas..."
• Political Novels: A political novel like Noli Me Tangere fits the Spanish Colonization Period
• Biag ni Lam-Ang: An epic from the Pre-Hispanic Period, highlighting oral traditions

Notable Literary Figures & Nationalistic Literature

• Paz Marquez Benitez was not active during the Japanese Period
• Nationalistic and Revolutionary Literature: Focused on nationalistic awareness rather than just reform

Literary Standards and Elements

• Suggestiveness: Literature should evoke emotions, symbolism, and depth of meaning
• Permanence: Romeo and Juliet remains relevant because of its lasting impact
• Artistry: Literature should have aesthetic appeal and poetic beauty
• Intellectual Value: Thought-provoking lines, e.g., “Hindi maikukulong ng pananakot ang isang tula na nagrerebolusyon."
• Distinct Style: Example: “Ang mga alaala, tuso ‘yan. Aatakihin ka n'yan sa mga panahon na pinakamahina ka.”
• Evocative Language: Example: “Hindi tayo nagkasalubong sa gitna ng daan upang sa dulo ay maghiwalay."

Figures of Speech & Poetic Devices

• Personification is when the author gives an inatimate object human characteristics
• The text gives the example: “The thunder growled its displeasure.”
• Rhyme Scheme: Refers to the pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines
• Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis, e.g., “I've told you a million times!"
• Symbolism: Represents abstract ideas through concrete objects
• Imaginative Language: Used to entertain and engage the reader's imagination
• Elegy: A poem dedicated to a deceased person, e.g., for the late Queen of England
• Lyric Poetry: CEFI Hymn

Structural and Stylistic Elements

• Repetition: Example: “Minahal kita. Mahal kita. Mamahalin kita.”
• Personification: Example: "Time flies.”
• Rhyme Example stanza:
• I saw a fairy in the wood,
• He was dressed all in green.
• He drew his sword while I just stood,
• And realized I'd been seen.
• Olfactory Imagery: Example: “I love the aroma of coffee."

Short Story Elements

• Internal struggle of protagonist: Falls under conflict, dealing with emotions, self-doubt, and decision-making
• Haunted mansion description: Represents the setting, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere
• Suspenseful chase scene: Part of the rising action, building tension before the climax
• Dialogue revealing character motivations: A tool for characterization, shaping and developing personalities
• Character learning life lessons: Shown in the resolution, where growth and change occur after challenges
• Ambiguous ending leaving readers pondering: Driven by the theme, allowing for deeper interpretations
• Character's transformation mirrors a hero's journey: Reflected in the character arc, showing personal growth
• Use of flashbacks provides background information: Enhances characterization, providing insight into past experiences
• Elements creates atmosphere and emotional responses: Strongly tied to the setting, influencing mood and tone
• Twist ending alters reader's perspective: Often occurs at the climax, reshaping the understanding of the story
• Antagonist symbolizes societal oppression: Represented through conflict, exploring themes of injustice and inequality
• Element organizes events in a cohesive narrative: Exposition introduces the story's key elements and foundation

Mayon by Kristian Cordero

• Significance of Mayon: A symbol of love and beauty in the legend; represents more than just a geographical landmark
• The base of Mayon is increasingly covered by ashes and debris, reflecting volcanic activity, turning the area into a cemetery
• What might emerge from Mayon: A lake of fire, symbolizing its destructive potential and suggesting uncertainty about the volcano's future eruptions
• Description of Mayon: Wrapped in clouds and its own smoke and portrayed as an active and mysterious presence
• Postcards in Cagsawa: Feature images of fiery lava flowing down Mayon's slopes and highlight the volcano's dramatic eruptions
• Old postcard in Antigo Merkado Depicts Mayon as a distant observer, ready to welcome travelers and the volcano's enduring presence

VOICE TAPE by Ariel Tabag

• Ariel and His Mother's Search: Intended to find letters, unexpectedly found a voice tape
• Ariel's Experience During the Flag Ceremony: Witnessed a bus accident, feared his friend Boying was involved
• Ariel's Reaction at the Accident Scene: Followed his mother after hearing her cry and displayed concern upon arriving
• Tito Ato's Request: Asked Ariel to write a love letter for him

JUSTICE by Ralph Semino Galan

• Depiction of Justitia in J. Elizalde Navarro's Painting Shown as fading into thin air
• Challenges Conventional Perceptions of Justice Emphasize the fallibility of judicial systems
• Role of Symbolism in the Poem: Adds depth and complexity to the poem's imagery
• Concept of Accountability in the Legal System: Highlights instances where justice is sacrificed for political expediency
• Relationship Between Truth and Justice Suggests that truth is subjective and malleable
• Critique of Politics and the Judiciary Promotes the idea of a separation of powers between politics and the judiciary