INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

A Research Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in the Subject Philippine Literature

Submitted By:

GROUP 1

Coordinator: Arjinal, Jasmine Marie E.

Members:

Acuña, Gina Mae M.

Adlawan, Nicole L.

Alejo, Angeline Aulin P.

Badoles, Lemmor

Barretto, John Carl G.

Benitez, Trisha May N.

Submitted To:

Dr. Carina Belen-Garcia

 GROUP 1: Reporter # 1 – Adlawan, Nicole L.
Definition of Literature

According to Harper, (2014), literature, "book-learning," from Latin

literatura/litteratura, "learning, a writing, grammar," initially "writing formed with letters,"
from litera/littera, "alphabetic letter," and also "an epistle, writing, document; literature, great
books; science, learning," dates back to the early 15th century.

According to Rexroth (2025), literature is a body of written works. Traditionally, the

term has been used to refer to visionary works of poetry and prose that are defined by their
writers' goals as well as their recognized aesthetic perfection. Literature can be classed using
a variety of methods, including language, national origin, historical period, genre, and theme.

As noted by Mark (2009), The world's first known author of literature was
Enheduanna, the high-priestess of Ur (2285-2250 BCE), who penned poems in celebration of
the Sumerian goddess Inanna. Much of Mesopotamian early literature is concerned with
gods' actions, but humans eventually became the major characters in poems like as Enmerkar
and the Lord of Aratta, Lugalbanda, and Mount Hurrum (c.2600-2000 BCE). Literature is
divided into fiction and non-fiction categories for study purposes today, but these are often
arbitrary decisions because ancient literature, as understood by those who wrote the tales
down as well as those who heard them spoken or sung before literacy, was not understood in
the same way as it is today.

As stated by Godinez-Ortega (2015), the diversity and richness of Philippine literature

grew alongside the country's history. This is best understood in light of the country's pre-
colonial cultural traditions and the sociopolitical histories of its colonial and contemporary
traditions. The average Filipino's unfamiliarity with indigenous literature stems largely from
what has been instilled in him: that his nation was "discovered" and so Philippine "history"
began around 1521. The rousings of nationalistic pride in the 1960s and 1970s also
contributed to this shift in attitude among a new generation of Filipinos concerned about the
"Filipino identity."

According to Jimenez (2020), The most common and consistent element of Philippine
literature is its short and quick yet highly interpersonal sentences, with themes of family,
dogmatic love, and persistence. Commas, conjunctions, and a variation of English known as
Filipino-English or Taglish are also commonly used. Many of the elements used by Filipino
writers left an impression on the history of literature as a whole.

Is a collection of oral and written works generated by Filipinos, whether native,

naturalized, or foreign born, regarding their experiences living in or related to Philippine
society. - May be produced in the capital city of Manila as well as in various urban and rural
locations, including in foreign places where descendants of Filipino migrants employ English
or any of the Philippines' languages to create works that tell about their lives and goals. A
product is a reflection and reaction to the time, place, and people who created it. (Balabar, et
al.,1989, p5).

Philippine literature is the collection of oral and written works generated by Filipinos,
whether native, naturalized, or foreign born, about their experiences in or relating to
Philippine society. It is composed or written in any of the Philippine languages, including
Spanish, English, and Chinese. Philippine literature can be produced in the capital city of
Manila, in various metropolitan centers and rural outposts, and even in foreign places where
descendants of Filipino migrants employ English or any of the Philippines' languages to
create works that tell about their lives and goals. Filipino authors' forms may be indigenous
or borrowed from other cultures, and they may range from popular pieces aimed for mass
audiences to extremely nuanced works designed for the intellectual elite. After two colonial
administrations, the Philippines' literary production reflects the cultural influences of the
Spanish and American colonial governments. (Tiongson et al., 1994).
 REFERENCES

Harper, D. (2014). Etymology of Literature. Online Etymology Dictionary.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/literature

Jimenez, N. (2020). 5 Best Modern Filipino Writers. Internet Archive.

https://archive.org/details/5-best-modern-filipino-writers

Maglaqui, R., Pamintuan, F., & Crisostomo, M. (2013). Philippine Literature: Unearthing its
Color and Grandeur. Jimczyville Publications.

Mark, J. (2009). Literature. World History Encyclopedia.

https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI1GjFleHRuA2FlbQIxMA
ABHSFN3Qyc4ojFYTwBnjLa6rxM2mLO-
t0SNwjtBsCD392OvokcLcVZuV8yxQ_aem_lW01bi-jR-aFMXWSqruCkw

National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (2015). The Literary Forms in Philippine
Literature. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. https://ncca.gov.ph/about-
ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/literary-arts/the-literary-
forms-in-philippine-literature/

Rexroth, K. (2025). Definition of Literature. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/art/literature

Tiongson, N., Batrios, J., & Cruz-Lucero, R. (1994). Literature. Philippine Literature Volume
IX. C & E Publishing, Inc.
 GROUP 1: Reporter # 2 – Arjinal, Jasmine Marie E.
Why We Need to Study Philippine Literature?

According to Ruz (2019), every country has their own literary works, techniques and
styles that reflects their own context. Some stands out that they’ve been widely appreciated
even by foreign individuals. Some of those are the works of William Shakespeare. Here in the
Philippines there are also great authors including Jose Rizal and Francisco Balagtas among
others. Filipinos shall study local literatures for they offer various dimensions because
Philippine literature represents far more than a collection of written works; it is a profound
testament to the nation’s complex identity, historical struggles, and cultural resilience.
Studying Philippine literature is not merely an academic exercise but a critical endeavor that
offers deep insights into the soul of the Filipino people, their experiences, and their ongoing
journey of self-definition.

As mentioned on the book of Introduction to Philippine Literature (n.d.), a country's

literature also tells us about its civilization in a form other than straight fact. Literature is
usually one person's description of a situation told through their own personal feelings;
eyewitness testimony to historical events that we were not present at. Writers have a talent for
bringing the past back to life with emotive language and metaphor, helping us to imagine
scenarios that may have happened decades, or even centuries, ago.

As stated by Garcia (2013) in Essence and Significance of Literature, “The best way
to understand human nature fully and to know a nation completely is to study literature.”
Hence, the deep connection between literature and human nature, as well as its role in
understanding a nation’s identity. Literature serves as a reflection of society, capturing its
history, values, beliefs, and struggles. By studying literary works, we gain insight into how
people think, feel, and behave across different time periods and cultures.

As mentioned by Principe (n.d), Filipinos need to study Philippine Literature in order

for us to promote the richness of our culture not only to our own language but in other
language as well. We need to read and cultivate literary works or piece to understand the
existence of Philippine Literature and its importance.

Kahayon (1989) in Philippine Literature: Unearthing Its Color and Grandeur, stated
four reasons why we need to study Philippine Literature:

1. To appreciate our literary heritage;

2. For us to realize our literary limitations conditioned by certain historical factors so
we can take steps to overcome;
3. To understand that we have a great and noble tradition which can serve as means to
assimilate to other cultures and;
 4. To show that as Filipinos who truly love and take pride in our own culture, we have to
manifest our deep concern for our literature and this we can do by studying the
literatures of our country.

As explained by Espina (2020), people study literature so that we can better

appreciate our literary heritage. We cannot appreciate something that we do not understand.
Studying our literature can help us trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to us by our
forefathers.

This is one of the reasons why we can understand ourselves better and take pride in
being a Filipino. Like other races in the world, we need to understand that we have a great
and noble tradition which can serve as the means to assimilate other cultures. Through such a
study, we can realize different literary influences conditioned by certain historical factors and
events.

Learning literature also lets us reflect and discover its different functions. Literature as
a product of human culture has its own two general functions:

1. Literature of Power- literature of power means that the function of literature as

power is to move the heart and mind of the readers. The second
2. Literature of Knowledge- literature of knowledge has function to teach. It means
that literature gives particular values, messages, and themes to the readers.

Literature has great function in developing human’s feelings, ideas, and interests.
Generally, the functions of literature are as follows: the first function is literature gives
knowledge of those particularities with which science and philosophy are not concerned. The
second function is that literature makes the human perceive what human see, imagine what
human already know conceptually or practically. The final function of literature is that
literature relieve human-either writers or readers-from the pressure of emotions (Espina,
2020).

According to Nuggets (2004), literature is one of the seven arts (i.e., music, dance,
painting, sculpture, theatre, and architecture) and as such, literature is a creative product of a
creative work, the result of which is form and beauty. People read literature for information,
for amusement, for higher and keener pleasure, for cultural upliftment and for discovery of
broader dimensions in life.

Literature helps readers grow, both emotionally and intellectually. It provides an

objective based on knowledge and understanding. It links readers with the broader cultural,
philosophical and religious world of which they are a part. It enables people to recognize
human dreams and struggles in different places and time that they would never otherwise
know. It helps them develop mature sensibility and compassion for the condition of all
creation-humans, animals, and plants. It allows them to appreciate the beauty of order and
arrangement, just as a well-structured song or a beautifully painted canvas does. It provides
the comparative basis from which they can see worthiness in the aim of all readers, and it
therefore helps them see beauty in the world around them. It exercises their emotions through
interest, concern, tension, excitement, hope, fear, regret, laughter, and sympathy. The
experience of reading literary pieces enables them to shape their goals and values and clarify
their own identities- both positively, through acceptance of the admirable in human beings
and negatively, through rejection of the sinister. It enables readers to develop a perspective
about events that occur locally and globally, thereby allowing them to understand and control
certain events in their lives.(Sebastian et al., 2006).

As mentioned on the book of Maglaya (2014) entitled Philippine Literature K-12, to

understand the history of a nation’s spirit, one must exert effort to read its literature. Through
a study of our literature, one can trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to them from
their forefathers. Then they can understand themselves better and take pride in being a
Filipino. Through such a study, one can realize their literary limitations conditioned by
certain historical factors and can take steps to overcome them. As Filipinos, who truly love
and take pride in their own culture, one has to manifest deep concern for their own literature,
thus, this can be done through studying the literature of the Philippines.
 REFERENCES

Essence and Significance of Literature. (2013). Studocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/san-carlos-college/bsed-english-
major/essence-and-significance-of-literature/51760747

Espina, M. F. (2020). MODULE 1 LIT 1-Philippine Literature. Course Hero.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/84221238/MODULE-1-GE-LITpdf/

Introduction Philippine Literature. (n.d.). Studocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/pampanga-state-agricultural-
university/survey-of-philippine-literature-in-english/introduction-philippine-
literature/12181125

Kahayon, A. (2013). Reasons for Studying Philippine Literature. In F. Pamintuan (Ed.),

Philippine Literature: Unearthing Its Color and Grandeur (pp. 25-26). Jimczyville
Publications.

Maglaya, R. (2014). Philippine Literature K-12. Quezon City Public Library.

Nuggets. (2004). Definition and Types of Literature. Studocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-rizal-system/bachelor-of-
science-in-office-administration/lit-2-gooo/50951698

Pamintuan, F., Crisostomo, M., & Maglaqui, R. (2013). Philippine Literature: Unearthing Its
Color and Grandeur. Jimczyville Publications.

Prnicipe, J. (n.d.). Importance of Studying Literature Essay Prose. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/document/443716223/Importance-of-studying-literature-
essay-prose

Ruz, G. (2019). Importance of Studying Philippine Literature. Studocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-cebu/bs-
accountancy/importance-of-studying-philippine-literature/10520275

Sebastian, E., & Cayao, E. (2006). Readings in World Literature. C & E Publishing, Inc.
 GROUP 1: Reporter # 3 – Badoles, Lemmor
Philippine Literature and Time Frames

Pre-Colonial Period

The following are the notable achievements of the natives of the pre-colonial
archipelago between the 16th century to the 9th century, and most likely even farther. Many
of the achievements have been lost or retrofitted due to more than three centuries of colonial
rule beginning in the middle of the 16th century and ending in the middle of the 20th century.

The Pre-Colonial Philippines was a complex and dynamic world where advanced
agricultural practices, sophisticated martial arts, and extensive maritime trade networks
thrived for centuries. Early settlers introduced agricultural practices, which allowed them to
grow crops such as rice, corn, and sugarcane. These practices led to the development of
barangays, which were organized communities led by a datu. The datu was responsible for
resolving disputes, collecting taxes, and performing rituals.

The pre-colonial period refers to the time before the arrival of European colonists in
the Americas. It spans from the original peopling of the Americas in the Upper Paleolithic to
European colonization. Which began with Christopher Columbu’s voyage of 1942.

Christopher Columbus (l. 1451-1506) initiated European colonization of the Americas

in 1492 when he landed in the West Indies, and this encouraged efforts by the Dutch, French,
and, finally, the English to establish colonies in North America beginning in 1534 through
1620 which led to rapid colonization for the next 100 years.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the Native Americans lived as autonomous nations
(also known as tribes) across the continent from present-day Alaska, across Canada, and
throughout the lower 48 United States. In order to study this era more easily, modern-day
scholars.

Types of Literature during Pre-Colonial Period

1. Epics - Long narrative poems recounting heroic deeds, like “Biag ni Lamang”
(Ilocano), “Hudhud ni Aliguyon” (Ifugao), “Hinilawod” (Panay), and “Darangen” (Maranao).
2. Folk songs - Traditional songs expressings emotions, daily life, and social customs.
3. Legends and Myths - Stories about supernatural beings and origins of places or
customs.
4. Proverbs - Short, wise sayings conveying life lessons.
Spanish-Colonial Period

The Spanish colonial strategy was to undermine the native oral tradition by
substituting for it the story of the Passion of Christ (Lumbera, p. 14). Although Christ was by
no means war-like or sexually attractive as many of the heroes of the oral epic tradition, the
appeal of the Jesus myth inherited in the protagonist's superior magic: by promising eternal
life for everyone, he democratized the power to rise above death. It is to be emphasized,
however, that the native tradition survived and even flourished in areas inaccessible to the
colonial power. Moreover, the tardiness and the lack of assiduity of the colonial
administration in making a public educational system work meant the survival of oral
tradition, or what was left of it, among the conquered tribes.

Spanish colonial motives were not, however, strictly commercial. The Spanish at first
viewed the Philippines as a stepping-stone to the riches of the East Indies (Spice Islands), but,
even after the Portuguese and Dutch had foreclosed that possibility, the Spanish still
maintained their presence in the archipelago. Central government in Manila retained a
medieval cast until the 19th century, and the governor-general was so powerful that he was
often likened to an independent monarch. He dominated the Audiencia, or high court, was
captain-general of the armed forces, and enjoyed the privilege of engaging in commerce for
private profit.

Spanish colonial motives were not, however, strictly commercial. The Spanish at first
viewed the Philippines as a stepping-stone to the riches of the East Indies (Spice Islands), but,
even after the Portuguese and Dutch had foreclosed that possibility, the Spanish still
maintained their presence in the archipelago.

Spain reigned over the Philippines for 333 years, from 1565 to 1898. since Spain was
far from the country, the Spanish king ruled the Islands through the viceroy of Mexico, which
was then another Spanish colony. When Mexico regained its freedom in 1821, the Spanish
king ruled the Philippines through a governor general. A special government body that
oversaw matters, pertaining to the colonies assisted the king in this respect. This body
became known by many names. Council of the Indies (1565-1837), Overseas Council (1837-
1863), and Ministry of the Colonies (1863–1898). It is implemented the decrees and legal
codes Spain promulgated although many of its provisions could not apply to condition in the
colonies. It also exercised legislative and judicial powers.

Types of Literature during Spanish-Colonial Period

1. Panulayan - A play decipting the search for shelter for Mary and Joseph
2. Comedia - A secular drama with comedic elements
3. Duplo - A form of parlor theater with debate like elements
4. Awit - A type of poem with a similar structure to the corrido, often focusing on
heroic tales.
 5. Corrido - Metrical romances with a narrative structures, often featuring heroic
themes.

Propaganda and Revolutionary Period

Propaganda Movement, reform and national consciousness movement that arose

among young Filipino expatriates in the late 19th century. Although its adherents expressed
loyalty to the Spanish colonial government, Spanish authorities harshly repressed the
movement and executed its most prominient member, Jose Rizal.

“The American Revolution represented the informed and mature convictions of

a great mass of independent, liberty-loving, God-fearing people who knew their rights,
and possessed the courage to dare to maintain them.”

Pamphlets were another important medium of revolutionary propaganda during the

American Revolution. They were used to disseminate political ideas and to rally support for
the revolutionary cause.

In 1888, Filipino expatriate journalist Graciano Lopez Jaena established the

newspaper La Solidaridad in Barcelona. Throughout its existence, La Solidaridad advocated
for religious and political reforms in the Philippines, serving as the voice of what became
known as the Propaganda Movement. José Rizal y Mercado was a prominent contributor to
La Solidaridad. Rizal's two political novels, Noli Me Tangere (1887; Touch Me Not) and El
Filibusterismo (1891; The Reign of Greed), had a significant impact in the Philippines. López
Jaena, Rizal, and journalist Marcelo del Pilar emerged as the three most prominent members
of the Propaganda Movement, and journals, poetry, and pamphleteering thrived.

Types of Literature during Propaganda and Revolutionary Period

Propaganda Literature
1. Political essays - Published in newspapers like “La Solidaridad to critique
Spanish policies and injustices.
2. Novels - Primaly used to depict the harsh realities of colonial wife, with “Noli Me
Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” being the most influential examples.
3. Pamphlets - Short, persuasive texts spreading ideas about reform and revolution.

Revolutionary Literature
1. Poetry - Often used to inspire revolutionary fervor and expresss nationalist
sentiments.
2. Proclamations - Official documets announcing revolutionary goals and mobilizing
the masses.
 REFERENCES

Admin. (2023). Examining the Role of Propaganda in the American Revolution and Its
Impact on Public Opinion. American History. Retrieved from https://american-
history.net/war-of-independence/examining-the-role-of-propaganda-in-the-american-
revolution-and-its-impact-on-public-opinion/

Hernandez, G. C., Borlaza, C. G., Cullinane, & Michael. (2025, March 5). Philippines |
History, Map, Flag, Population, Capital, & Facts. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines/The-Spanish-period

National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (2015). Philippine Literature in the Spanish
Colonial Period. Retrieved from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-
3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/literary-arts/philippine-literature-
in-the-spanish-colonial-period/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIyvqhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVp-
0xzxYfrMPvcJu8nEGKSedrShQ6xi2f3tpg_SgVQIl-OVcN4b3-S5sw_aem_TAnEAA-
2qES1Ks80oZXa2w

Pineda, A. (2024). The Pre-Colonial Philippines: A Glimpse Into Ancient Societies - Pinas
Culture. Retrieved from https://pinasculture.com/the-pre-colonial-philippines-a-
glimpse-into-ancient-societies/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Propaganda Movement | Facts, Definition,

& History. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Propaganda-Movement

Wikipedia. (2025). Cultural Achievements of Pre-Colonial Philippines. Retrieved from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_achievements_of_pre-
colonial_Philippines?fbclid=IwY2xjawIyvnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRElwzXefitlqS
wddm-JXGFRQ0hRiJjBIByn4jXek-
D1GtQJ0DtLZ1k0sg_aem_AByOoGjrIpM2vyhsGZFbVQ
 GROUP 1: Reporter # 4 – Alejo, Angeline Aulin P.
Philippine Literature and Time Frames

American Colonial Period (1898–1941)

Based on Bobila (2019), The American occupation of the Philippines brought major
changes to the country’s literary landscape. With the introduction of free public education,
literacy rates rose, and English became the dominant language in both instruction and literary
creation (also due to the influence of Thomasites). This shift gave birth to new forms of
literature, including short stories, essays, and free verse poetry.

According to NCCA (2020) When the University of the Philippines was founded in
1908, an elite group of writers in English began to exert influence among the culturati. The
U.P. Writers Club, founded in 1926, had stated that one of its aims was to enhance and
propagate the “language of Shakespeare”. One of the most influential works from this period
is Dead Stars (1925) by Paz Marquez Benitez, often regarded as the first modern Philippine
short story in English. The story delves into themes of love and disappointment, setting the
foundation for Filipino fiction in English. Another notable piece is Footnote to Youth by José
García Villa, which explores the consequences of early marriage. Essays by Carlos P.
Romulo also gained traction during this era, focusing on nationalism and democracy. These
literary works reflect the intellectual discussions surrounding identity and governance under
American rule.

Types of Literature during American Period

1. Poetry – Expressed nationalism and social issues (e.g., Jose Garcia Villa, Angela
Manalang-Gloria).
2. Short Stories – Gained popularity, often depicting social realities (e.g., Manuel
Arguilla, Paz Marquez Benitez).
3. Novels – Explored colonial rule and cultural conflicts (e.g., The Woman Who Had
Two Navels by Nick Joaquin).
4. Essays – Used in newspapers to discuss politics and culture (e.g., Carlos P. Romulo,
Claro M. Recto).
5. Drama – Theatrical plays blended native and Western themes.
6. Journalism – Newspapers and magazines thrived, shaping intellectual discourse.
7. Folklore & Oral Literature – Traditional legends, myths, and folk tales persisted.
Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

As mentioned on the book of Lumbera (2005) entitled Philippine Literature: A

History and Anthology. During this time, the Japanese imposed strict censorship and
promoted Tagalog and other native languages while banning English-language publications.
Literature in this period was heavily influenced by propaganda, with themes of suffering,
patriotism, and resistance. Writers had to conform to Japanese-approved themes, and many
turned to poetry and short stories in Filipino.

Olavides (2018) stated that Japanese literary influences, such as Haiku and Tanaga,
became popular during this time. Publications like Liwayway magazine played a crucial role
in keeping nationalist sentiments alive through Tagalog literature. One of the most significant
novels from this era is Without Seeing the Dawn by Stevan Javellana, which powerfully
depicts the hardships and resilience of Filipinos during World War II.

Types of Literature during Japanese Occupation Period:

1. Poetry – Haiku and Tanaga became popular; themes of nationalism and suffering.
2. Short Stories – Focused on Filipino resilience and war struggles.
3. Drama – Depicted rural life; some plays contained hidden patriotic messages.
4. Journalism & Propaganda – Newspapers were controlled for Japanese propaganda,
while underground writings fueled resistance.
5. Essays & Chronicles – Personal accounts of war hardships, often symbolic.
6. Novels – Limited due to censorship; some works on Filipino heroism emerged post-
war.

Post-War and Martial Law Era to Contemporary Literature (1946–Present)

Garcia (2014), after World War II, Philippine literature took on a more diverse and
experimental approach. Writers began exploring new forms and styles while addressing
pressing social issues, the diaspora experience, and identity struggles. Works were now being
written in English, Tagalog, and various regional languages, reflecting the nation’s
multilingual nature.

A landmark novel from this period is Nick Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two
Navels, which examines colonial history and Filipino identity.

Based on Cabrera (2022) The Martial Law era, on the other hand, gave rise to
politically charged literature, including Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ’70, a novel that critiques
dictatorship and its effects on Filipino families. During this time the writer's freedom was
suppressed to block the media, and only government prints were available.

Literary Forms stayed the same but there were developments to it.
Development of Literary Forms:

1. Poetry – Poems became more expressive and experimental, with themes of

nationalism and social issues.
2. Drama – Stage plays tackled political issues, history, and cultural traditions.
3. Journalism and Essays – Writers used journalism and essays to voice opinions on
politics, governance, and post-war challenges.

In more recent years, contemporary literature continues to evolve, as seen in Miguel

Syjuco’s Ilustrado, which presents a postmodern exploration of Filipino identity by blending
historical and fictional elements. Dalisay (2024) stated, Digital and Online Literature has
been added to the form of Literature in which includes: Blogs, social media poetry (e.g.,
spoken word and slam poetry), web fiction, and self-published e-books which have gained
popularity amongst Millennials and Gen Zs.

Tiempo (2024), From the American colonial period to the present day, Philippine
literature has continuously evolved, capturing the country’s historical, political, and cultural
shifts. Each era’s literary works serve as a reflection of the struggles, resilience, and
aspirations of the Filipino people.
 REFERENCES

Angelfire. (n.d.). Philippine literature during the American period. Retrieved March 4, 2025,
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Cabrera, S. (2022, June 20). Never again: Must-read books on Philippine Martial Law. The
Teen Magazine. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from
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martial-law
Dalisay, B. (2024, November 24). The literature of the future. Philstar Life. Retrieved March
4, 2025, from https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/506148-literature-future
Garcia, J. N. C. (2014). The postcolonial perverse: Critiques of contemporary Philippine
culture. University of the Philippines Press.
Lumbera, B. (2005). Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology. Anvil Publishing.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (2020). Philippine literature during the
American period. NCCA. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-
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literature-during-the-american-period/
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school/community-engagement-solidarity-and-citizenship/the-japanese-period-of-
philippine-literature/34220712
Tiempo, E. (2024). Philippine literature as an instrument for restoration. Asia Pacific Journal
of Social Innovation, 21(2). Retrieved March 4, 2025, from
https://journals.msuiit.edu.ph/tmf/article/view/271
GROUP 1: Reporter # 5 – Acuña, Gina Mae M.
Literature and History
 GROUP 1: Reporter # 6 – Barretto, John Carl G.
General Types of Literature - Prose

Literature can generally be divided into two types, which are the following:
1. Prose
2. Poetry

Prose

Originally, the word prose originated from the Latin one "prosa" meaning
straightforward discourse. In the New Oxford American dictionary it is defined as
"written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure." This
indicates that any writing not in verse form can be thought of as prose.

According to (Gangni, 2019) Prose is often concerned with the writer's experience,
speculation or their preference.

Poetry

Poetry can be called verse, and this depends greatly on the natural rhythms and
sounds of language for its special effects. Most often the first word of every line begins with
a capital letter, even in the middle of a sentence (Burton, 1973:1).

Types of Prose

1. Novel - Novel is one of the subgenres of literature which became prominent in

the nineteenth century. The term novel denotes a long narrative, usually an
imaginative work of art in the form of prose. According to Kennedy, Gioa and
Bauerlein (2009), the novel is an extended work of fictional prose narrative. They
go further to vivify that the novel implies a book-length composition with
abundant characters, varied scenes and a broader coverage of time than a shorter
work provides (108). According to them, the novel is the most pliant and
indefinable of contemporary literary genres.

This is a long narrative divided into chapters and events are taken from true-to-life.

Example: Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

2. Short Story- Ch. E. May (1994) is suggesting that the short story has, in fact, a longer
tradition than the long story. He goes on to say that, initially, the short form was the
 most natural way of communication through which we used to express our inner
original religious feelings.

This is a narrative involving one or more characters, one plot and single impressions.

Example: The laughter of my Father by Carlos Bulosan

3. Plays- A play is literature before it comes alive in a theater, and it might be argued
that when we read an unfamiliar play, we meet it in the same form in which it first
appears to its actors and its director. According to Santori, A. (2023) A play is
defined as a type of literary work that is designed for performance in a theater in front
of an audience. A play is composed of dialogue between various characters and
divided into acts and scenes to increase the dramatic effect. play may fit into one of
several different genres, including tragedy or comedy, or it may defy genre by mixing
elements.

This is presented on stage, divided into acts and each act has many scenes.

Example: Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes

4. Legends- Originated from Latin legendus, legend means “something which ought to
be read.” According to J. A. Cuddon, a legend is “a story or narrative that lies
somewhere between myth and historical fact and which, as a rule, is about a particular
figure or person.” Traditionally, a legend is a narrative that focuses on a historically or
geographically specific figure, and describes his exploits.

This is a fictitious narrative which is usually about the origin of a place, creation, or a
thing.

Example: The Bikol Legend by Pio Duran

5. Fables- Fable is characterized as a story line based on logic and having a series of
events. Fable itself is taken from Latin, namely fabula. According to Sudarmadji,
(2010), fables are stories about creatures and plants that depict human-like
characteristics, but their circumstances and conditions are regulated by the ordinary
circumstances in which they live [7]. Creatures who are characters in the story,
creatures who can socialize, exchange, carry on like humans are extraordinary
qualities of fairy tales that other stories do not have. Another characteristic of fairy
tales is that they contain moral and moral messages towards the end of the sentence or
towards the end of the story.

This is a fictitious story wherein the characters are represented by animals.

Example: The Monkey and the Turtle

6. Anecdotes- The word anecdote comes from an Ancient Greek biographer who wrote
an unpublished book called Anekdota (which means “unpublished” or “not given
 out”). An anecdote is a very short story that is usually interesting or amusing, and
concerns real people and real incidents. Anecdotes are often humorous, but also often
impart a deeper truth. This is merely a product of the writer’s imagination and its
main aim is to bring out morals to the readers.

Example: The Moth and the Lamp

7. Essay- An essay is a formal and comprehensive piece of literature that describes a

particular issue or topic analyzed and discussed. It refers to a short piece of writing on
a particular subject. Through essays, the writer or narrator expresses his or her
personal views or opinion on a particular topic or a question and it is based on an
educational and analytical tone. This expresses the viewpoint or opinion of the writer
about a particular problem or event.

Example: Editorial page of a newspaper

8. Biography- A biography is simply an account or detailed description about the life of

a person. It entails basic facts, such as childhood, education, career, relationships,
family, and death. Biography is a literary genre that portrays the experiences of all
these events occurring in the life of a person, mostly in a chronological order.

This deals with the life of a person written by another person.

Example: The First Filipino: A Biography of José Rizal by León María Guerrero

9. Autobiography- Autobiography is a unique and fascinating document that can

maintain its value in history as first person narrative while providing a specific
identity of his /her ownself in literary research..Autobiographical works are by
nature subjective.

This deals with the life of a person written by himself.

Example: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

10. History- History is what has happened in the past. People who write history are
describing things that happened in the past and trying to make some kind of sense
from all of the various sources of information that exist.

This deals with the events of the past.

Example: El Filibusterismo

11. News- A report for everyday events in a society.

Example: Impeachment of Vice President Sarah Duterte

12. Oration- This is a formal treatment of a subject and it is intended to be spoken in
public.

Example: Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

 REFERENCES

Burton, S. H. (1973). The Criticism of Prose. Longman Group Limited.

Fadlil Munawwar Manshur. (2023). Function of Fables for Early Children’s Character
Education. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375113898_The_Function_of_Fables_for_E
arly_Children's_Character_Education

Ferguson, C. S. (1994). Defining the Short Story. Impressionism and Form in The New Short
Stories Theories (C. E. May, Ed., pp. 218-230). Ohio University Press. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276424471_What_is_a_Short_Story_Beside
s_Short_Questioning_Minds_in_Search_of_Understanding_Short_Fiction

Gangni, C. (2019). A Literature Review on Prose Study. School of Foreign Language,

Northwest University, Xi’an, China. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/33l8246507_A_Literature_Review_on_Pros
e_Study

Jayaannapurna, A. V. S. (2017). A Study of Autobiographical Approach and Understanding.

REVA University, Bangalore, India. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317343514_A_STUDY_OF_AUTOBIOGR
APHICAL_APPROACH_AND_UNDERSTANDING

Kennedy, X. J., Gioia, D., & Bauerlein, M. (2009). Handbook of Literary Terms. Longman.

Santori, A. (2023, March 31). Theater Play Definition, Types & History. Study.com.
Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/play-definition-types-
examples.html

Uche Nnyagu, PhD, & Adunchezor, Ngozi, PhD. (2017). The Novel: Genres, Concepts,
Introduction and Appreciation. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321960352_The_Novel_Genres_Concepts_I
ntroduction_and_Appreciation
 GROUP 1: Reporter # 7 – Benitez, Trisha May N.
General Types of Literature – Poetry

Literature can generally be divided into two types, which are the following:
1. Prose
2. Poetry

Prose

According to De Guzman (2025), prose can be a rather general literary term that
many use to describe all types of writing. However, prose by definition pertains to specific
qualities of writing that we will dive into in this article.

Poetry

According to Nemerov (2023), poetry, literature that evokes a concentrated

imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language
chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm.

Types of Poetry

1. Narrative- This form describes important events in life either real or imaginary.
a. Epic- This is an extended narrative about heroic exploits often under supernatural
control.
Example: THE HARVEST SONG OF ALIGUYON translated in English by
Amador T. Daguio.
b. Metrical Tale- This is a narrative which is written in verse and can be classified
either as a ballad or a metrical romance.
Examples: BAYANI NG BUKID by Al Perez and HERO OF THE FIELDS by
Al Perez
c. Ballads- Of the narrative poems, this is considered the shortest and simplest. It
has a simple structure and tells of a single incident. There are also variations of
these: love ballads, war ballads, and sea ballads, humorous, moral, and historical
or mythical ballads. In the early time, this referred to a song accompanying a
dance.
2. Lyric Poetry- Originally, this refers to that kind of poetry meant to be sung to the
accompaniment of a lyre, but now, this applies to any type of poetry that expresses
emotions and feelings of the poet. They are usually short, simple and easy to
understand.
a. Folksongs (Awiting Bayan)- These are short poems intended to be sung. The
common theme is love, despair, grief, doubt, joy, hope and sorrow.
Example: CHIT-CHIRIT-CHIT
b. Sonnets- This is a lyric poem of 14 lines dealing with an emotion, a feeling, or an
idea. These are two types: the Italian and the Shakespearean.
Example: SANTANG BUDS by Alfonso P. Santos
c. Elegy- This is a lyric poem which expresses feelings of grief and melancholy, and
whose theme is death.
Example: THE LOVER’S DEATH by Ricaredo Demetillo
d. Ode- This is a poem of a noble feeling, expressed with dignity, with no definite
number of syllables or definite number of lines in a stanza.
e. Psalms (Dalit)- This is a song praising God or the Virgin Mary and containing a
philosophy of life.
f. Awit (Song)- These have measures of twelve syllables (dodecasyllabic) and
slowly sung to the accompaniment of a guitar or banduria.
Example: FLORANTE AT LAURA by Franciso Balagtas
g. Corridos (Kuridos)- These have measures of eight syllables (octosyllabic) and
recited to a martial beat.
Example: IBONG ADARNA

3. Dramatic Poetry
a. Comedy- The word comedy comes from the Greek term “komos” meaning
festivity or revelry. This form usually is light and written with the purpose of
amusing, and usually has a happy ending.
b. Melodrama- This is usually used in musical plays with the opera. Today, this
is related to tragedy just as the farce is to comedy. It arouses immediate and
intense emotion and is usually sad but there is a happy ending for the principal
character.
c. Tragedy- This involves the hero struggling mightily against dynamic forces;
he meets death or ruin without success and satisfaction obtained by the
protagonist in a comedy.
d. Farce- This is an exaggerated comedy. It seeks to arouse mirth by laughable
lines; situations are too ridiculous to be true; the characters seem to be
caricatures and the motives undignified and absurd.
e. Social Poems- This form is either purely comic or tragic and it pictures the
life of today. It may aim to bring about changes in the social conditions.
 REFERENCES

Datu, P. A., Pascua, P. A., & Olayres, W. H. (2017). 21st Century Literature from the
Philippines and the World: Redefining Literature Across Nation and Time. Quezon
City: Cronica Bookhaus.

Esprit International School. (2024). Types of Literature: Prose, Poetry, and Dramatic Forms.
Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/17035564

Martinez, R. M., & Dado, R. H. (2019). 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the
World. Manila: Mindshapers. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/sti-college/accountancy/phil-lit-module-1-
lecture-notes-1/9952087

Nestle Anne Tampos. (2016). General Types of Literature, Literature Can Be Divided Into
Two Types: Prose and Poetry. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://prezi.com/la8z-
mk9mran/general-types-of-literature/

Philippine Literature General Types of Literature. (2012). Retrieved March 5, 2025, from
http://jm92-philippineliteraryworks.blogspot.com/2012/09/introduction-philippine-
literature_24.html

Philippine Normal University. (2022). General Types of Literature. Retrieved March 5, 2025,
from https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/philippine-normal-university/general-
education/ls-1-eng-general-types-of-literature/32934763

WordPress. (2014). Philippine Literature and Its Worth: Literature Pieces That Have Been
Created in Every Period. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from
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