Philippine Literature during Spanish Colonization (1565-1862)

Twenty vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, forms, and figures from Philippine literature during the Spanish colonial period.

Spanish Colonization Period (1565-1862)

Era when Spain ruled the Philippines and introduced Spanish language, religion, and new literary forms.

Religious Literature

Works focused on Christian themes, used to spread Catholic doctrine and teach Spanish, e.g., Pasyon.

Secular Literature

Philippine writings that deal with non-religious topics such as love, war, and adventure.

Ladino Poets

Bilingual Filipino writers fluent in both Spanish and Tagalog who composed early religious lyrics.

Pasyon

Lengthy narrative poem recounting the passion and death of Jesus Christ; cornerstone of Filipino devotional reading.

Senakulo

Stage dramatization of the Pasyon depicting Christ’s passion and crucifixion during Holy Week.

Awit

Philippine poetic romance written in dodecasyllabic lines; slower, emotional, and often sung.

Dodecasyllabic Verse

Line of poetry containing 12 syllables, characteristic of the Awit form.

Themes of Awit

Love, war, chivalry, heroism, and romantic emotion.

Florante at Laura

Famous Awit by Francisco Balagtas about Florante’s trials and his love for Princess Laura of Albania.

Korido

Action-packed metrical tale in octosyllabic quatrains featuring knights, fantasy, and magic.

Octosyllabic Verse

Line of poetry containing 8 syllables, typical of the Korido form.

Themes of Korido

Speedy adventures involving battles, quests, and supernatural events.

Ibong Adarna

Popular Korido about three princes’ quest to capture a mythical, healing songbird.

Spanish Language Introduction

Use of Spanish as medium of instruction and communication, propelled by missionary efforts and literature.

Religious vs. Secular Classification

Twofold division of Spanish-era Philippine literature based on whether works focused on faith or worldly topics.

Philippine Catechism Literature

Religious texts containing prayers and doctrines, often incorporating local languages to teach Christianity.

Chivalric Tales

Stories of brave knights and noble deeds, commonly found in both Awit and Korido narratives.

Knights & Magical Adventures

Core elements of Korido plots, blending heroic combat with fantastical creatures and enchantment.

Usurper Adolfo

Antagonist in Florante at Laura who schemes to seize the throne and Princess Laura’s affection.