Literature of Protest and
Resistance
Introduction
• Definition: Literature of Protest and Resistance expresses opposition
to injustice, oppression, and abuses of power.
• Purpose: A tool to express dissent, reveal truths, and raise social
awareness.
• Background: Martial Law (1972–1981) and Post-EDSA (1986) periods
shaped protest literature.
Martial Law Memoirs
• Context: Martial Law (1972–1981) with censorship, torture,
imprisonment, human rights violations.
• Forms: Memoirs, prison writings, testimonies, poems, plays, essays.
• Notable Works: Dekada ’70 (Lualhati Bautista), Subversive Lives
(Susan & Nathan Quimpo), Jose Maria Sison’s prison writings.
• Themes: Freedom, survival, injustice, trauma, collective memory.
Post-EDSA Writings
• Context: 1986 People Power Revolution, hope for democracy but
ongoing struggles.
• Forms: Short stories, essays, poetry, plays, novels.
• Notable Works: Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa? (Lualhati Bautista),
works of Edel Garcellano, Jose F. Lacaba.
• Themes: Democracy and limits, inequality, remembering Martial Law,
accountability.
Youth Activism in Literature
• Role: Student activism during Martial Law and Post-EDSA youth voices
in literature.
• Forms: Manifestos, underground publications, spoken word, social
media literature.
• Voices: Juan Miguel Severo (spoken word), young journalists and
bloggers.
• Themes: Justice, environment, gender equality, human rights,
collective action.
Common Themes Across Periods
1. Struggle for truth and justice
Writers use literature to expose lies, corruption, and oppression. Their works fight for fairness and
highlight the people’s demand for justice.
2. Memory and historical awareness
Literature reminds readers of past struggles, especially during Martial Law. It helps preserve
stories so society will not forget or repeat mistakes.
3. Nationalism and democracy
Authors express love for the country and the desire for freedom. Their writings encourage citizens
to participate in building a just and democratic society.
4. Human rights and freedom of expression
Protest literature defends basic rights such as equality, dignity, and the freedom to speak out. It
gives voice to the silenced and marginalized.
5. Role of the individual vs. collective struggle
Some works focus on personal sacrifices, while others highlight the strength of united action. Both
show that change is possible through courage and solidarity.
Conclusion
• Literature is a weapon against oppression and a mirror of society’s
struggles.
• Martial Law memoirs remind Filipinos never to forget dictatorship.
• Post-EDSA writings reflect both hope and disillusionment.
• Youth activism ensures continuity of resistance and critical voices.
Guide Questions with Answers
• 1. Why effective? → Reveals truths, inspires change, survives censorship.
• 2. Martial Law memoirs → Firsthand accounts, preserve truth, resist
revisionism.
• 3. Post-EDSA → Showed hope for democracy but disappointment in
continued inequality.
• 4. Youth activism → Uses spoken word, social media, journalism to resist
oppression.
• 5. Lessons → Remember history, value freedom, unity, literature as a
weapon for truth.
Instructions: Answer the following analytical and reflective questions on a one whole sheet of
paper. Write your answers in complete sentences. Each answer must be at least 100 words
long. Express your thoughts clearly, give examples, and connect your ideas to what you have
learned about the Literature of Protest and Resistance. Be honest, creative, and reflective in
your responses.
1.How does remembering the literature of Martial Law help prevent the
dangers of changing or twisting history today?
2.Compare the struggles highlighted in Martial Law memoirs and post-
EDSA writings. In what ways are these struggles similar or different?
3.If you were a writer during Martial Law, what form of literature would
you choose to express protest or resistance, and why?
4.Do you think social media today is as powerful as literature in the past
for protest and resistance? Support your answer with examples.
5.After studying these works, what personal responsibility do you think
students like you have in preserving truth and promoting justice?
