E12 - Reviewer PDF

What is Literature? Literature comes from the Latin word “litera” which means letter. It is a piece of printed work connected to the thoughts and expressions of the people. What is the importance of Literature? 1. Literature helps us grow both personally and intellectually. 2. Literature links us...

What is Literature? Literature comes from the Latin word “litera” which means letter. It is a piece of printed work connected to the thoughts and expressions of the people. What is the importance of Literature? 1. Literature helps us grow both personally and intellectually. 2. Literature links us with the world of which we are a part. 3. Literature enables us to transcend our immediate time, place, and culture and to make connections with other human beings and their concerns. 4. Literature encourages us to develop mature empathy with all forms of life – human, animal, and plant. 5. Literature sharpens our sense of moral judgment. 6. Literature stimulates our imagination and ingenuity. 7. Literature shows the significance of irony, paradox, oxymoron and ambivalence. 8. Literature allows us to see the world in different vantage points. 9. Literature relives history 10. Literature reminds us that we are human beings. Main division of Literature Prose: presents a story that is invented and not literally “true.” It is written to be read rather than acted or performed, and the events depicted are told to us by a narrator, not enacted or dramatized. The most commonly encountered prose fiction is novel and short story.  No line breaks. Sentences run to the right of the margin.  First word of each sentence is capitalized.  Prose looks like large blocks of words. Poetry: Is piece of art written by a poet in meter or verse expressing various emotions which are expressed by the use of variety of techniques including metaphors, similes, and onomatopoeia.  Uses line breaks.  Traditionally-first word of each sentence was capitalized, but modern poets choose not to.  Shape of poetry can vary depending on the length and intent of the poet. 4 Genres of Literature 1. Drama - comes from the Greek word “dran” which means “to do” or “to act.” It is a story acted out. It shows people going through some eventful period in their lives, seriously or humorously. The speech and action of a play recreate the flow of human life, which comes fully to life only on the stage. 2. Essay- expresses the viewpoint or opinion of the writer about a particular problem or event. The best example could be editorial page of a newspaper. 3. Poetry- collection of words that express an emotion or idea. 4. Short Story- work of fictional narrative prose with a few characters, limited setting, and a single major event. Oral tradition: or oral lore, is a form of human communication wherein knowledge, art, ideas and cultural material is received, preserved, and transmitted orally from one generation to another. Riddle: is a question or a statement that describes something without actually naming what it is, leaving the reader to guess. Proverb: short, memorable, and often highly condensed saying embodying especially with bold imagery, some common place fact of experience. Myth: comes from the greek word Mythos meaning “Story” or “legend” Legend: semi-true story, passed from person to person and has important meaning and symbolism for the culture that started it. Epic: long narrative poem that relates to the great deeds of a larger than life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Early Period Writers (1900-1930) Paz Marquez Benitez: author of “dead stars,” published in the Philippine Herald in 1925. Jose Garcia Villa: filipino poet. He was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973. He is known to have introduced the “reversed consonance rhyme scheme” in writing poems. Pen name - Doveglion. He also wrote “Footnote to youth” and “Many voices” Amador T. Daguio: wrote “Man of Earth” in 1932. Other writers: Arturo Rutor Tarcila Malabanan Katigbag Fernando Maramag Paz Latorena Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez Characters: Alfredo Salazar: son of Don Julian. He is over thirty years old bachelor. Alfred Salazar believes in true love and optimism to discover ecstasy in its stir. Esperanza is the first woman he falls in love with. After their engagement, he falls in love with Julia Salas. Esperanza: wife of Alfredo Salazar. Esperanza is an impassionate woman having strong will and principles. A homely woman, she is also among the lucky women who have the aptitude of consistent beauty. Julia Salas: She is the sister in law of Judge Dal Valle, a friend of Alfredo’s father. She is the second woman with whom Alfredo falls in love with. She remains single for her entire life. Don Julian: He is the father of Alfredo Salazar. Carmen: She is the only sister of Alfredo Salas. Judge Del Valle: He is Julia’s brother in law. Donna Adella: She is Julia’s sister. A pretty, small, plump woman with baby complexion. Calixta:He is a note-carrier of Esperanza and Alfredo Salazar. Dionisio: Donna’s husband. Vicente: Carmen’s husband. The story of the short story Dead Stars revolves around a man, Alfred Salazar, and his affairs. Alfred Salazar believes in true love and optimism to discover ecstasy in its stir. Esperanza is the first woman he falls in love with. The families of both of them are acquainted with each other and hence they start a loving relationship. Both get engaged after three years of their relationship. Alfredo is a lawyer who has strong desires and wants warmth and compassion, however, Esperanza is an impassionate woman having strong will and principles. Alfredo’s love for her soon fades away when he meets Julia. Julia, now, becomes a new object of his desire. Julia Salas is sister in law of the Judge, who is a friend of Alfredo’s father. Julia is an optimistic and enthusiastic person having her own dreams and desires. When Alfredo comes across her, he is strongly attracted to her. On his visit to her with his father, he engages himself in conversation with her and is attracted to her charm. Even he is so passionate that he doesn’t disclose his engagement to Esperanza. So as to avoid the discovery of his fiancée, he keeps secrets from Esperanza too. His eyes are doomed when he learns about Julia’s return to his native town. With the fear of losing her, Alfredo decides to declare his true feeling for Julia. When the Church’s function ends, Alfredo goes to meet her, though his fiancé is waiting for him. When he reaches there, he learns that Julia has already known about his engagement to Esperanza. She wishes him for his marriage and leaves him. On his return home, he gets a double blow. He finds Esperanza talking to her friend about loyalty and faithfulness. Alfredo senses a desire to communicate. He supports the reason for craving and choice over dishonesty. Esperanza soon confesses that she knew about his affair with Julia. In pursuit of his lust and heart’s content, she encourages him to cancel the wedding. However, the wedding goes ahead as scheduled and Alfred surrenders to reason. Near Julia’s native town, Alfred, after eight years, is sent to some work duty. On his visit, he feels nostalgic and cannot resist his lust for Julia and soon finds an excuse to meet her. Julia is still single that forces Alfred to dream about starting a new life with her; however, he soon realizes that everything is not the same as it were before. Moreover, Julia has also changed lost something. Where is my May? By Fernando Ma. Guerrero The poet was called “the Poet of the Revolution” My happy days have passed away. The hills and woods have lost their flower. Where is my May? Where are its sweet and charming hours? Cheer me, my star, and give me light, To see at least a pleasant way, Show me your eyes so fair and bright To find my way. With thoughts of care I bend my head, Where is my May? I am alone, I eat my bread Away from you, so far away  The Fence by Jose Garcia Villa Characters: Aling Biang - unforgiving woman who was betrayed by her husband and neighbor. Aling Sebia - a childless widow/aling biang’s neighbor who feels no remorse after being caught with her husband. Iking - son of aling biang Daughter of Aling Sebia - good at playing guitar Aling Biang’s Husband - a man who left unsettled with his wife Soft Night by Abelardo Subido The night is soft and cool. I wait for you Amid the garden dusk beneath the trees This is the hour of softly falling dew I breathe your name;It floats upon the breeze That gently stirs the clinging window- vines You can not hear,the fervid longing dies Upon my heart. I hear a bird repine In liquid notes that mingle with sighs Rise from your dreams. The sampaguitas faints The cool,soft night is slipping wanning slow... Night sheds its tears, The night birds sad complaints Melts into silence Love,i want you so Rise from your dreams; I bring you love more sweet Than all the flowers I scattered at your feet  Life of Cardo by Amador T. Daguio The story follows Cardo, a young man born into poverty, who works tirelessly to support his family and improve their lives. Cardo dreams of a better future but is burdened by the harsh realities of life. His hard work and perseverance are met with little reward as he faces the unyielding obstacles of a society that is indifferent to the plight of the poor. Despite his best efforts, Cardo is unable to escape the cycle of poverty that traps him and his family. In the end, the story underscores the painful reality that hard work alone does not always lead to success in a system that is stacked against the disadvantaged. To Rizal by Cecilio Apostol Immortal hero, whose greatness is legendary; You emerged from the hollow of the grave Where you slumber in glorious dreams Come, our love which your memory inflames From eternal darkness we call to you To crown your memory Sleep Peacefully in the shadows of the other life Redemptor of an oppressed nation Don’t cry, in the tob is the mystery Of the momentary triumph of the Spaniards Even if the bullet destroyed your brain Your spirit destroyed an empire Glory O Rizal! Like the fires of Thabor in flames The talent of a genius, you’re the light of the mind A song for the harp In marble, life. Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa It centers around Dodong, a 17-year-old boy who feels ready to marry his girlfriend, Teang, despite his young age. Dodong, eager to assert his independence and maturity, marries Teang against the advice of his father, believing he knows what is best for himself. However, as time passes, Dodong realizes the burden of early marriage and the weight of responsibility that comes with having children. He struggles with regret as he witnesses the hardships of raising a family without being fully prepared for the sacrifices it demands. The Rural Maid by Fernando Maramag Thy glance, sweet maid, when first we met, Had left a heart that aches for thee, I feel the pain of fond regret Thy heart, perchance, is not for me. We parted: though we met no more, My dreams are dreams of thee, fair maid; I think of thee, my thoughts implore The hours my lips on thine are laid. Forgive these words that love impart, And pleading, bare the poets breast; And if a rose with thorns thou art, Yet on my breast that rose may rest. I know not what to name thy charms, Thou art half human, half divine;  And if I could hold thee in my arms, I know both heaven and earth were mine. Zita by Arturo Rutor Zita" by Arturo B. Rotor is a short story about Mr. Nicolas, a young, idealistic teacher who is sent to a remote barrio to educate the local children. While in the barrio, he meets Zita, a simple and innocent young girl, who becomes his student and later develops feelings for him. Nicolas is determined to teach Zita and broaden her understanding of the world. He educates her on more than just academic subjects—he also teaches her about culture, beauty, and refinement. Over time, Zita grows fond of Nicolas, who is gentle and kind, and her feelings evolve into romantic love. However, Nicolas does not initially notice Zita’s growing affection. His mind is focused on his duties as a teacher and his desire to leave the barrio to pursue a better future. Zita, in contrast, transforms herself to win his approval, changing her appearance and demeanor to appear more refined. Towards the end of the story, Nicolas is called back to the city, and he must leave the barrio and Zita behind. It becomes clear that despite her feelings for him, Nicolas sees Zita as part of his past and his rural experience, not as someone who could join him in his urban future. The story ends with Nicolas’s departure, leaving Zita heartbroken. The Spouse by Luis G. Dato Rose in her hand and moist eyes young with weeping, She stands upon the threshold of her house, Fragrant with scent that wakens love from sleeping, She looks far down to where her husband plows. Her hair disheveled in the night of passion, Her warm limbs humid with the sacred strife, What may she know what man and woman fashion Out of the clay of ire and sorrow. Life? She holds no joys beyond the day's tomorrow, She finds no worlds beyond her love's embrace, She looks behind the form behind the furrow, Who is her Mind, her Motion, Time and Space.. O somber mystery of eyes unspeaking, O dark enigma of life's love forlorn; The Sphinx beside the river smiles with seeking The sacred answer since the world was born. Small Key by Paz Latorena "The Small Key" by Paz Latorena is a short story that delves into themes of trust, insecurity, and emotional conflict in a marriage. It follows the lives of Pedro, a farmer, and his young wife, Soledad. Pedro entrusts Soledad with two keys: one is to a large trunk containing his personal belongings, and the other is a small key that unlocks a smaller trunk. Soledad becomes curious about the small key and the trunk it opens. When Pedro is away, she opens the trunk and discovers that it contains the clothes of Pedro’s deceased first wife. Soledad feels a wave of insecurity and jealousy after seeing the clothes, as she realizes Pedro has been keeping this part of his past close to him. She interprets the presence of these items as a sign that Pedro still holds on to his memories of his first wife, which intensifies her feelings of inadequacy and doubt about their marriage. Upon Pedro's return, he notices that Soledad is upset but does not initially understand why. Soledad tries to suppress her emotions, but her inner turmoil reflects her struggle to deal with Pedro’s past and her feelings of being second to someone who is no longer alive. The story ends with an air of unresolved tension between the couple. Rain by M. De Garcia Concepcion After the rain, Darkness lifts to luminous acres Of space above-- And earth’s swet scents Breathe anew.