Vietnamese Literature PDF

EL 114 REVIEWER FINALS VIETNAMESE LITERATURE Independent Dynasties (10th–19th Century) Vietnamese literature reflects the - Vietnamese literature flourished. country’s rich cultur...

EL 114 REVIEWER FINALS VIETNAMESE LITERATURE Independent Dynasties (10th–19th Century) Vietnamese literature reflects the - Vietnamese literature flourished. country’s rich cultural heritage, historical - The Chu Nom script was developed to struggles, and evolving identity. It reflects write in the Vietnamese language. themes of resilience, identity, and the struggles of the Vietnamese people - Buddhist and Confucian ideas throughout history. strongly influenced writing during this period. PERIODS: Colonial Period(19th – Early 20th Pre-Chinese Period(Before 2nd Century) Century BCE) Dominated by oral traditions rooted in  Brought dramatic changes as agrarian society. Folk ballads (ca dao) French colonial rule introduced and proverbs (tuc-ngu) were the primary Quoc-ngu, a Romanized script forms of expression and passed down that became the standard writing through generations as a means of system.  New literary movements preserving communal wisdom and emerged, including the Tu Luc storytelling. This early period was purely Van Doan (Independent Literary indigenous, untouched by external Group), which revolutionized cultural influences. prose, and the Tho Moi (New Poetry) School, which infused poetry with modern sensibilities. Chinese Domination  These developments marked a shift from traditional Chinese - (2nd Century BCE – 10th Century CE) influenced forms and styles. Introduced Chinese language and literary conventions to Vietnam. Revolutionary Literature (Mid-20th Vietnamese writers adopted Chinese Century) ideograms (Han characters) for official  Reflected Vietnam’s struggle documents and literary works. Early against colonialism and internal Buddhist monks also contributed divisions. significantly to the development of  During the fight for independence literature during this period, producing and the subsequent Vietnam War, texts that blended Chinese philosophical literature became a tool for influences with local traditions. The resistance and ideological introduction of Confucianism, Buddhism, expression. and Daoism further enriched the literary  In the North, Socialist Realism landscape. dominated under communist rule, while in the South, writers  explored diverse themes and Social Critique - Addressing inequality, forms under the influence of corruption, and the challenges of modern Western ideas. life. Post-War and Contemporary Period GENRES (1975–Present)  Marked a new chapter in Folk Poetry (Ca Dao) - Lyrical, often Vietnamese literature, focusing on sung poems from oral tradition. the aftermath of the Vietnam War and its impact on society. Epic Poems - Long narratives, like The  Diasporic writers, particularly in Tale of Kieu, combining storytelling with the United States, added a global moral lessons. dimension to Vietnamese literature, exploring issues of displacement and cultural identity. Prose Fiction - Modern novels and short  Contemporary trends include stories that emerged during the colonial experimentation with narrative period. forms, the incorporation of postmodernism, and the blending of traditional and modern styles. Revolutionary Literature - Works depicting struggles for independence and resilience during wars. THEMES Patriotism and National Identity - Many NOTABLE AUTHORS works emphasize love for the country, resistance to foreign invaders, and the struggle for independence, reflecting Nguyen Du Vietnam's history of colonization and war.  the greatest poet in Vietnamese literature.  His work is celebrated for its Love and Relationships - Romantic emotional depth and poetic love, familial bonds, and fated beauty, capturing the struggles connections (duyen) are central themes, and resilience of the Vietnamese especially in classic works like The Tale spirit. of Kieu.  best known for his masterpiece The Tale of Kieu (Truyện Kiều) Spirituality - Reflecting Buddhist ideas Ho Xuan Huong of karma and spiritual growth.  "Queen of Vietnamese Poetry,   She is famous for her bold and witty poems, many of which use double meanings to critique Singaporean Literature societal norms, particularly Singaporean literature refers to the body gender roles. of written works produced by authors from Singapore. It reflects the country’s Xuan Dieu multicultural heritage, history, and experiences. The literature of Singapore  A prominent figure in modern Vietnamese literature. comprises a collection of literary works.  He was a leader of the Tho Moi A number of Singaporean writers such as (New Poetry) movement. Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun have  His poetry is known for its intense contributed work in more than one romanticism, celebration of love, language. However, this cross- and profound reflections on the linguistic fertilisation is becoming passage of time and the human condition. increasingly rare and it is now increasingly thought that Singapore has Tale of Kieu (Truyện Kiều) four sub-literatures instead of one. The Tale of Kieu tells the story of Thuy Periods: Singaporean Poetry Kieu, a talented and beautiful young Singaporean Literature in English woman who faces many hardships. She started with the Strait-born Chinese grows up in a loving and respectable community in the colonial era. It is family and falls in love with a kind unclear which was the first work of scholar, Kim Trong. Their happiness is literature in English published in cut short when her family is falsely Singapore, but there is evidence of accused of a crime. Singapore Literature published as early To save her father and brother from as 1830’s. The first notable Singaporean prison, Kieu decides to sacrifice herself. work of poetry in English is possibly She sells herself into marriage to raise F.M.S.R., a pastiche of T.S. Eliot by money for their freedom, leaving behind Francis P. Nag, published in London in Kim and her dreams of happiness. 1935. This was followed by Wang However, the man she marries tricks her Gyungwu’s Pulse in 1950. and sells her to a brothel. Kieu suffers Poetry is the predominant mode of greatly in her new life, enduring betrayal expression; it has a small but respectable and pain. Along the way, she meets both following since independence, and most kind and cruel people. A Buddhist monk published works of Singapore writing in eventually helps her escape, giving her a English have been in poetry. chance to start again. After many years, Kieu reunites with her family and Kim. Since the late- 1990s, local small But her suffering has changed her, and presses such as Firstfruits and Ethos she decides not to rekindle their love. Books have been actively promoting the Instead, she focuses on finding peace works of this new wave of poets. and rebuilding her life The poetry of this younger generation is examine questions of identity, often politically aware, transnational and community, and belonging in a cosmopolitan, yet frequently presents multicultural society. their intensely focused, self- questioning and highly individualised perspectives of Notable Authors Singaporean society and culture. 1. Catherine Lim: Known for her Themes novels and short stories that explore Singaporean society,  Multicultural Identity: culture, and politics. Singapore’s diverse population 2. Suchen Christine Lim: A (Chinese, Malay, Indian, and prominent author and playwright others) is a key theme. who writes about Singapore’s  Colonial and Post-Colonial history, identity, and social issues. Experiences: Themes of colonial 3. Goh Poh Seng: A pioneering history, its impact on identity, and Singaporean writer and poet who post-colonial struggles for explored themes of identity, autonomy and cultural assertion culture, and social change. are common. 4. Meira Chand: A Singapore-based  Alienation and Belonging: author of Indian descent, known Themes of belonging, identity, and for her novels that explore the alienation emerge as individuals experiences of Indian diaspora navigate complex societal communities. structures. 5. Alfian Sa’at: A prominent Characteristics playwright and poet who writes about Singaporean identity, 1. Multiculturalism: Singaporean culture, and social issues. literature often explores the intersection of different cultures, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. 2. Colonial and post-colonial Notable Works themes: Many works deal with the 1. “The Bondmaid” by Catherine legacy of British colonialism and Lim: A novel that explores the the country’s transition to experiences of a Chinese independence. bondmaid in th 19 -century 3. Urbanization and Singapore. modernization: Singapore’s 2. “The River’s Song” by Suchen rapid development and Christine Lim: A novel that tells urbanization are common themes, the story of a Singaporean family’s often exploring the tensions history and struggles. between tradition and modernity. 3. “If We Dream Too Long” by Goh 4. Identity and belonging: Poh Seng: A novel that explores Singaporean authors frequently  the experiences of a young 2. Dreams vs. Reality: The conflict Singaporean man struggling to between idealistic aspirations and find his place in society. practical demands. 3. Alienation: The isolation felt in an If We Dream Too Long impersonal, modernizing world. The book follows the life of Kwang Meng, 4. Conformity vs. Individuality: a young 18-year-old who has just The tension between societal graduated from junior college. He expectations and personal currently works as a clerk, a job which he freedom. hates and finds monotonous. Two of his junior college friends, Hock Lai and Characteristics Nadarajah (the latter nicknamed Portia), 1. Coming-of-Age Theme: The follow different career paths in their novel explores Kwang Meng’s diverging lives. Hock Lai becomes a journey of self-discovery and his white-collared worker, determined to climb the corporate ladder, while Portia struggle to find meaning in life intends to further his studies in the UK. amid societal and familial Kwang Meng meets and strikes up a expectations. relationship with a local bar girl, Lucy, at 2. Existential Undertones: It Paradise Bar. Unfortunately, owing to examines themes like freedom, their very different social backgrounds, alienation, and the search for the couple break up (initiated by Lucy). purpose in a rapidly modernizing Hock Lai tries to matchmake Kwang society. Meng with one of his female 3. Realistic Depiction of acquaintances Anne. Kwang Meng Singapore: The story vividly meets Boon Teik and Mei-I, neighbours portrays 1960s Singapore, who are both teachers, and whom Kwang capturing the urban landscape Meng finds an ideal couple. Hock Lai and the socio-economic himself gets married with Cecilia, whose challenges of the era. father is one of the richest tycoons of 4. Tension Between Dreams and Singapore. Throughout all this, Kwang Reality: The novel highlights the Meng comes across as a rather passive conflict between personal figure, preferring merely to observe and aspirations and the harsh seek solace through activities like demands of practical life. swimming in the sea, smoking and drinking in bars. At the novel’s end, Thailand Literature Kwang Meng’s father suffers a stroke, which destined him to take up the burden Types of supporting his family. 1. Epic Literature Themes 2. Classical Poetry 1. Search for Identity: A young 3. Fictional Prose man’s struggle to define himself in a rapidly changing society. 4. Drama and Theatre  5. Modern Poetry 6. Folklore and Oral Tradition 3. Rattanakosin Period (1782–20th Century): 7. Religious Literature Modernization of Thai Literature: The 8. Political Literature influence of Western literary forms began to shape History of Thai Literature Thai 1.Sukhothai Period (1238–1438): writing, introducing novels, plays, and short stories. Origins of Thai Writing: The development of the Thai script, King Rama VI: A key figure in modernizing influenced by Khmer, Sanskrit, and Pali. literature, promoting new literary styles and genres, Buddhist Texts: Early works were religious in nature, such as particularly short stories and plays translations of Pali Buddhist scriptures and historical chronicles. 4. Contemporary Period (20th "Ramakien": The Thai version of the Century–Present): Indian epic “Ramayana” is a Social Realism: In the 20th century, Thai key example of early Thai literature writers began exploring social issues like class disparity, 2. Ayutthaya Period (1350–1767): political unrest, and individual freedoms. Royal Patronage of Literature: The kings of Ayutthaya were Post-War Literature: Influenced by both Western instrumental in fostering the development of Thai literature. literature and Thailand’s political climate. Key Literary Developments: Poetry and Epics: Continued adaptation Characteristics of Thai Literature of *Ramayana* and creation of royal chronicles. - Metaphoric and Symbolic Language: Rich use of metaphors, symbols, and Cultural Exchange: Thai literature was imagery, especially drawn from nature influenced by neighboring (e.g., rivers, the moon, lotus flowers). cultures (e.g., China, India, and These are often used to convey complex Cambodia). ideas about ove, morality, and spirituality - Moral and Religious Themes: Thai li terature frequently revolves around Buddhist principles: karma, dharma, Short Stories: Often used to address and rebirth. Works often impart moral contemporary societal issues and reflect lessons. Themes of loyalty, honor, duty, on individual lives. and fate are common. 4. Plays and Drama Nang Yai (Shadow - Royal Influence: Much of Thai Puppetry): A traditional form of theater literature, particularly in the Ayutthaya that uses large puppets to perform and Rattanakosin periods, was produced stories, often based on religious or under royal patronage or commissioned historical themes. by the monarchy. Khon: Thai masked dance-drama, a Kings, especially Rama II and Rama highly stylized form of storytelling, often VI, played a key role in shaping the linked to royal court performances. literary landscape. 5. Modern Literature Poetry: 20th- - Narrative Structures: Early works century poets began experimenting with were in “verse”(e.g., epic poetry), while free verse and incorporating Western later periods saw a rise in “prose” , literary forms. including short stories, novels, and plays. Contemporary Themes: Modern writers Elegance of Language: Traditional explore themes of identity, social issues, works often exhibit intricate “rhyme and the consequences of rapid schemes” , meter, and formal language. modernization. Genres of Thai Literature RAMAKIEN: summary 1. Epic Poetry "Ramakien": Thai Part One: adaptation of the Indian “Ramayana” , The first part begins with the story of Phra blending Hindu mythology with local Narai in the form of a boar vanquishing beliefs and culture. It is one of the most the demon Hiranyaksha. This is followed significant works of classical Thai by an account of the origins of the literature. ancestors of Thotsakan. According to 2. Classical Poetry Khlon: A traditional Ramakien, Phra Isuan grants his servant form of lyrical verse with a highly Nonthok (Bhasmasura) a boon which structured meter. enables him to change his finger into a diamond and destroy anyone at whom he Sang: A religious or ritualistic poetic points it. As Nonthok begins to abuse this form, often used in Buddhist contexts. power, Phra Narai assumes the form of a 3. Fictional Prose Novels: The late 19th charming woman who dances in front of and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Nonthok, who tries to imitate the the modern Thai novel, influenced by movement of her hands. At one moment, Western literary traditions. Modern he points the diamond finger towards Fiction: Authors like “Pramuan himself and instantly dies. Nonthok is Suksamran” and “Suphachai” later reborn as Thotsakan. integrated social themes with traditional narrative forms. He also has four brothers and a sister, as Ram's consort Nang Sida is a well as half-siblings. Thotsakan first reincarnation of Phra Narai's consort marries Kala Akhi (Mandodari), the Laksami, but she is born as the daughter daughter of Kala Nakha (Mayasura) of of Thotsakan in Lanka and adopted by the underworld, and later receives Nang king Chonok (Janaka) of Mithila. Montho as a gift from Phra Isuan. Part two: Thotsakan and Kala Akhi have a son with the first name Ronapak (Meghanada); deals with the main drama of the story. after his victory over Indra, he is called Phra Ram and Nang Sida fall in love at Intharachit (Winner of Indra). The text first sight before an archery contest. A then explains the origins of the simian hunchback named Kucci (Manthara) characters Phali and Sukhrip. They are instigates the queen to ask for the born to Kala Acana (Anjana), the wife of banishment of Phra Ram. He sets off to king Khodam (Kesari), as a result of her live in the forest with Nang Sida and his adultery with Phra In and Phra Athit. brother Phra Lak, where they meet Sammanakha (Surpanakha) who took on the form of a beautiful maiden. She tries When king Khodam immerses them in a to seduce the two brothers, but they lake to test their legitimacy, they turn into resist and punish her. As revenge, monkeys and vanish into the forest. Phra Thotsakan abducts Nang Sida to his Isuan grants Phali a magic trident which palace in Lanka. will transfer to Phali half the strength of Phra Ram and Phra Lak meet Hanuman, anyone fighting him. Sukhrip is rewarded Sukhrip and another Vanara, with a beautiful young maiden Dara Chomphuphan, and ask them to help find (Tara), but Phali takes her for himself. Nang Sida. When Hanuman locates Later, Phali also seizes Thotsakan's Nang Sida in Lanka, he identifies himself consort Nang Montho and they have a by showing her ring and kerchief and son named Ongkhot before she is retelling the secret of her first meeting returned to Thotsakan. Finally, Phali with Phra Ram. Hanuman is then caught banishes Sukhrip to the forest where he by Thotsakan's son Intharachit, but meets Hanuman. Hanuman is said to be escapes while setting Lanka on fire. On born after Phra Isuan places his celestial returning to Phra Ram, Hanuman helps weapons in the mouth of Sawaha, the build a causeway with help of Nal and Nil daughter of Kala Acana. to connecting Sri Lanka With Indian Hanuman at first stays with Phali and mainland and the war with Thotsakan Sukhrip, but later decides to join Sukhrip begins. After a lot of fighting and attempts in his banishment in the forest. Rama, of treachery by Thotsakan's allies, Phra known in the Ramakien as Phra Ram, Ram manages to kill Thotsakan and has ancestors tracing back to Phra Narai Intharachit and free Nang Sida. After she through King Thotsarot. Phra Ram passes a fire ordeal to test her himself is a reincarnation of Phra Narai, faithfulness, Phra Ram takes her with and his brothers Phra Lak, Phra Phrot him to Ayutthaya and grants various and Phra Satarut are manifestations of parts of his kingdom to his allies. Phra Narai's emblems: the serpent, the Part three: discus, and the mace, respectively. Phra  After Nang Sida draws a picture of Loyalty, especially in relationships, is a Thotsakan on a slate, Phra Ram orders recurring theme. Phra Ram’s devotion to Phra Lak to take her to the forest and kill his wife Sita, and her loyalty to him, even her. Instead of doing as commanded, he in captivity, highlights the importance of brings to Phra Ram the heart of a doe to commitment. Similarly, the devotion of trick him into believing that Nang Sida is his brother Lakkhan (Lakshmana) and dead. In the forest, Nang Sida finds the loyal monkey king Hanuman to Phra refuge with a hermit named Wachamarik Ram also underscores this theme. (Valmiki), and she gives birth to two sons: 4. Honor and Integrity Phra Monkut (Kusha) and Phra Loph (Lava). Phra Ram decides to take her Throughout the Ramakien, characters back to Ayutthaya, but she refuses and are portrayed as embodying or struggling disappears into the Underworld. Finally, with concepts of honor and integrity. Phra Phra Isuan brings Phra Ram and Nang Ram’s commitment to upholding justice Sida together again. and following his moral principles even in the face of adversity demonstrates the importance of maintaining one's honor. Themes: 5. Revenge and Forgiveness: 1. Good vs. Evil: The theme of revenge is present, One of the primary themes of the particularly through the actions of Ramakien is the battle between good and Totsakan, who seeks vengeance against evil. The hero, Phra Ram (the Thai the gods. However, forgiveness also equivalent of Rama), represents virtue, plays a role in the story, such as when honor, and righteousness. In contrast, Phra Ram demonstrates mercy towards the antagonist Totsakan (the Thai his enemies, symbolizing the nobility of version of Ravana), the demon king, forgiving those who have wronged you. embodies evil, greed, and tyranny. The 6. Divine Intervention and Fate: ultimate victory of Phra Ram over Totsakan symbolizes the triumph of good The Ramakien, like the Ramayana, over evil. depicts how divine beings intervene in the lives of mortals. Gods and celestial 2. Duty and Dharma: beings help guide the characters, and The concept of dharma (righteousness or fate is often seen as a powerful force that duty) is deeply explored in the Ramakien. guides the actions of individuals. Phra Ram's adherence to dharma, even in difficult situations, is a key part of his character. This includes fulfilling his duty Indonesian Literature as a prince, a husband, and a son, even Introduction: when faced with personal sacrifices, such as his exile or the challenges in Indonesian literature - is a reflection of rescuing his wife Sida (Sita in the nation's rich cultural and historical Ramakien). heritage. It has evolved through various 3. Loyalty and Devotion: phases, each influenced by political, social, and cultural changes. It is known for its diversity, representing various I LA GALIGO – one of the longest ethnic groups, regions, and languages literary works (reflect regional across the archipelago. identities) History: Dutch Colonial Influence  Colony of Netherlands for 300 During the Dutch colonial period years and Japan (17th-20th centuries) Indonesian  World War II and Japanese literature was heavily influenced by occupation (dismantling much of foreign ideas and frameworks. However, this is also the beginning the Dutch colonial state and of a literary awakening as company) Indonesian writers started to deal  1949 Indonesia gained its with oppression, identity, and Independence modernization.  Center of trade (China, India, Europe and the Middle East) 1. Early Indonesian writing in Jawi script (modified Arabic)  Located Southeast Asia  17, 508 islands 2. Balai Pustaka (Bureau of  719 spoken languages Books) founded on 1971 is a  Bahasa Indonesia (official government-backed literary publisher that played a key role in language) modernizing Indonesian literature Native Traditions and Oral 3. Traditional Indonesian Culture Literature vs. Western Ideals Significance of ORAL LITERATURE 4. Rise of Modern Prose in preserving Native Traditions that are passed down through 5. Prominent Authors generations such as MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND EPICS. Prominent authors and works in this period of literary Traditional Literary Forms (Pre- awakening colonial Period) 1. Marah Rusli – Sitti Nurbaya 1. Pantun – Short, rhymed (1922) - A tragic love story that quatrains often expressing love, critiques forced marriages and nature, or humor. traditional customs. The novel became a symbol of resistance 2. Syair – Longer narrative against oppressive traditions and quatrains focusing on morals and sparked discussions on religious teachings modernization and freedom of 3. Hikayat – Epic prose narrative choice. Sitti Nurbaya, a young emphasizing heroism, legends, woman, is forced into marriage and historical events. for her family’s financial survival, ultimately leading to tragedy. 2. Abdul Muis – Salah Asuhan II, due to the unique characteristic of (1928) (Wrong Upbringing) - Indonesian literature, it was Tension between local traditions considered as a separate path and and Western values. The novel tradition by the Japanese colony and examines how colonial education Indonesia was declared independent alienates Indonesians from their right after WW2. roots, leading to a loss of identity. Indonesian literature became a tool Hanafi, a young Indonesian man for nation-building and promoting a educated in Western ways, sense of national identity. Writers struggles with his identity and began to explore themes of freedom, rejects his cultural roots, resulting equality, and social justice, reflecting in personal and societal conflicts. the struggles of the newly Outstanding writers of Angkatan independent country. 45 Writers began to depict the The Angkatan 45 (Generation of challenges of everyday life in 1945) was a group of writers who Indonesia in the post colonial emerged around Indonesia's context, addressing issues like independence. They used literature poverty, corruption, and injustice. to fight for freedom and promote Evolution of Modern Themes national identity. Modern Indonesian literature - - Chairil Anwar: Known for his reflects both global and local modernist poetry, Anwar’s works concerns, such as globalization, broke away from traditional forms gender issues, religion, and human and expressed the despair, rights. Writers continue to challenge existentialism, and idealism of the social norms and explore new artistic time. His poem Aku ("I") is one of expressions. his most famous works, reflecting personal freedom and rebellion 1. Gender and Sexuality - female against authority. empowerment, breaking taboos on sexuality, and challenging - Pramoedya Ananta Toer: One of patriarchal norms. Indonesia's greatest authors, Toer is best known for his Buru Quartet, a 2. Religion and Spirituality - series of novels that detail reflect Indonesia’s strong Islamic Indonesia's history during influence while promoting values colonialism and the struggle for of tolerance, love, and spirituality. independence. The works highlight 3. Globalization and the resilience and spirit of the Modernization - reflects the Indonesian people. clash between tradition and Nationalism and Identity modernity, showing how people navigate global influences while Post-colonial Indonesian literature preserving cultural identity. - after the defeat of Dutch against Japanese colony during World War Significant Genres Indonesian literature is diverse in dissent. This continues in form and style, with several contemporary works that address prominent genres that cater to corruption, inequality, and social different tastes and interests. change. 1. Prose - novels and short stories Appreciation and Application are the most popular among ‘’it’s important to appreciate literature literary forms as not only a window into the 2. Poetry – became instrumental in nation's past but also as a mirror to breaking traditional forms and the present and future’’ introducing modern literary techniques. STORY ANALYSIS 3. Drama - focuses on social issues, using the stage as a Mochtar Lubis (1922–2004) was an platform for critique and influential Indonesian writer and reflection. journalist. Known for his works that often critiqued societal and political 4. Folklore - regional myths and issues, Lubis was an important figure legends, many of which continue in modern Indonesian literature. He to be an important part of the was also an advocate for freedom of nation's cultural identity. expression, facing censorship due to Impact on Society and Culture his critical stance on Indonesia's political landscape. He is the author Literature plays a crucial role in of ‘’The Lotteries of Haji Zakaria’’ a shaping public discourse and cultural prose fiction short story published on identity. It serves as a means of 1952. expressing national pride, offering critical reflections on society, and The Lotteries of Haji Zakaria fostering awareness of social issues. Summary 1. Cultural Influence: Indonesian In The Lotteries of Haji Zakaria, the literature has influenced music, narrator recounts his memories of theater, and film, shaping the Haji Zakaria, a wealthy and wider arts scene. generous man who had a fondness for lotteries. Despite never winning, 2. Social Reflection: Literature Haji Zakaria spent significant often reflects the moral amounts of money on lottery tickets, dilemmas and struggles faced convinced he was close to winning by the people, challenging them big. His life had once been full of to think critically about their role prosperity, but over time, his fortune in society. dwindled due to the collapse of 3. Literature and Politics: Many coffee prices and financial losses, writers have used literature to leaving him unable to continue his criticize political regimes, yearly pilgrimage to Mecca or buy promote reform, and voice his beloved lottery tickets. The narrator visits Haji Zakaria after Genre: Literary fiction, with many years, only to discover that the psychological and moral undertones. once-thriving man now lives in reduced circumstances. Although Haji Zakaria has his family’s support, PHILIPPINE LITERATURE he is troubled by his financial Introduction: decline. He confides in the narrator about how he had squandered vast The body of works, oral and sums on lottery tickets, yet remained written, created by Filipinos that obsessed with the idea of winning. reflects their culture, history, and The narrator learns that his father's experiences. wealth had once helped Haji Zakaria during difficult times, though he still Serves as a mirror to Filipino clung to his expensive habits, identity and historical struggles. including the lottery. HISTORICAL PERIODS: Later, after the narrator's visit, Haji PRE-COLONIAL Zakaria’s health and mental state decline rapidly. His obsession with Oral traditions: myths, the lotteries deepens, and he legends, epics, riddles withdraws from his family. (bugtong), proverbs Eventually, he takes his own life in a (salawikain). tragic culmination of his financial Example: Biag ni Lam-ang despair and obsession. The narrator (llocano epic). feels guilty, believing that his reminder of the lotteries may have SPANISH COLONIZATION contributed to Haji Zakaria's tragic Religious literature: Pasyon, end. The story explores the themes Senakulo. of greed, obsession, and the consequences of financial ruin. Secular literature: Awit and Corrido. Example: Florante at Laura by Theme: The story explores the Francisco Balagtas. destructive effects of obsession with wealth and materialism, and the AMERICAN PERIOD consequences of greed and Shift to English as a medium of delusion. It critiques the human writing. tendency to place hope in chance and external solutions rather than Rise of short stories, essays, addressing internal struggles and and poetry. realities. Example: Footnote to Youth by Style: Realistic, with elements of José García Villa. social critique and psychological JAPANESE OCCUPATION exploration. Use of native languages. Form: Short story.  Themes of patriotism and Philippines' most celebrated survival. authors and a National Artist MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY for Literature. First staged in PERIOD 1950. Diverse genres, experimental 4. Short stories (How My forms. Brother Leon Brought Home Example: Works of Nick Joaquin, a Wife by Manuel Arguilla): F. Sionil José, and Jessica *one of the Philippines' most Hagedorn. prominent writers in English. THEMES: First published in 1940, the story is widely regarded as 1. STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM one of Arguilla's best works. AND INDEPENDENCE 2. LOVE FOR COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY 5. Novels (Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo by 3. FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY José Rizal): 4. ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE First published in 1887 in Berlin, it is one of the most KEY GENRES important works in Philippine 1. Poetry Balagtasan (debate literature and a key piece of in verse form): the country's nationalist *traditional Filipino form of movement. poetic debate, named after the renowned Filipino poet THE WOMAN WHO HAD Francisco Balagtas, who is TWO NAVELS summary best known for his work Florante at Laura. The story revolves around Connie Escobar, a woman 2. Epics (Biag ni Lam-ang): who claims to have two is an epic from the llocos navels, a symbolic assertion region in the Philippines, that reflects her psychological considered one of the earliest and emotional struggles. and most well-known Connie seeks help from Dr. examples of Philippine Pepe Monson, a Filipino literature. expatriate living in Hong Kong, to escape her troubled 3. Plays (A Portrait of the past and the oppressive Artist as Filipino by Nick realities of her life. Joaquin): a play written by Nick Joaquin, one of the Through Connie's story, the novel examines the effects of colonialism on the Filipino psyche, exploring themes of disconnection, alienation, and the search for identity. Connie's claim of having two navels symbolizes her fractured sense of self, torn between different worlds— tradition and modernity, the Philippines and the West, freedom and entrapment. As the narrative unfolds, the lives of various characters intersect, including the Monson family, who have their own struggles with identity and their place in a post- colonial society. The novel explores personal and collective histories, reflecting on the cultural and historical burdens carried by Filipinos.