Pre-Colonial and Spanish Colonial Philippine Literature

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key definitions, genres, examples, and historical influences in pre-colonial and Spanish-colonial Philippine literature.

How is literature broadly defined in the notes?

As the total preserved writings of a given language or people—including poems, short stories, novels, and plays—that interpret human experience through fictional persons, incidents, or situations.

Why was most pre-colonial Philippine literature transmitted orally?

Because paper and formal writing systems were not yet in use, so stories and knowledge were passed on by word of mouth.

What were common purposes of pre-colonial Philippine literature?

To record daily observations about life, explain natural phenomena, and mark the beginnings of rituals, thereby reflecting early society and culture.

What are Filipino proverbs (salawikain) and what do they aim to teach?

Practical observations about everyday life written in rhyme, designed to entertain while teaching basic survival skills in local life.

What key feature differentiates Filipino riddles from proverbs?

Riddles demand an answer and are used to test wit, often sounding humorous while having a serious solution.

List at least three life experiences commonly expressed in Filipino folksongs.

Courtship (harana), lullabies, harvest celebrations, funerals, and other everyday experiences.

Define an epic in the context of pre-colonial Philippine literature.

A long narrative poem recounting a series of heroic achievements, usually featuring a male hero with superhuman qualities who fights for a beautiful maiden.

Name one well-known Philippine epic from Negros.

Hilinawod.

Spanish-colonial Philippine literature mainly reflected society and culture influenced by which religion?

The Catholic faith.

What is the ritual drama “Tibag” about?

A dramatic reenactment of St. Helena’s search for the True Cross on which Jesus died.

What event does the “Cenaculo” dramatize?

The passion and death of Jesus Christ.

What is a Zarzuela in Philippine literature?

A three-act musical comedy or melodrama, considered the father of Filipino drama, dealing with passions such as love, hate, revenge, or social and political issues.

During which historical period did Tibag, Cenaculo, and Zarzuela become prominent in the Philippines?

The Spanish Colonial period (1521–1900).

Besides entertainment, what educational role did Filipino riddles and proverbs serve?

They taught reasoning skills and practical wisdom needed for daily survival in local communities.