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The American Period in Philippine Literature (1898–1946)

Learning Objectives

• Describe the impact of American colonization on Philippine education and literature:

  • Explore how free public education and English influenced Filipino literature.

• Identify key authors and their works during the American period:

  • Learn about notable Filipino writers like Jose Garcia Villa and Paz Marquez Benitez and their contributions.

• Understand the role of literature in expressing Filipino nationalism:

  • Understand how Filipino writers used literature to foster a sense of patriotism and demand independence.

Key Changes During American Colonization

• The American occupation transformed education, culture, and literature in the Philippines significantly.

1. Introduction of Free Public Education

• Access to Education:

  • Establishment of free public schools made education available to broader populations.

  • Enabled individuals to improve their social standing, paving the way for a burgeoning middle class.

  • Provided exposure to new literary forms and Western models of literature.

2. English as the Medium of Instruction

• Language Adoption:

  • English became the primary language for teaching in schools.

  • Encouraged Filipino students to engage with English-language literature, fostering a new literary tradition.

Impact of Education on Literary Development

• Democratization of Knowledge:

  • Access to education encouraged writers to produce works that contributed to national discourse.

  • Writers expressed patriotism and the aspiration for freedom.

• Rise of English Literary Writers:

  • Filipino writers began producing significant works in English despite language and cultural challenges.

Literary Periods During American Colonization

1. The Period of Apprenticeship (1910-1930)

• Filipino writers imitated Western literary forms.

• Explored various genres: poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and essays.

• Reflected the themes of patriotism and yearning for freedom.

2. The Period of Emergence (1920-1930)

• Growth of Filipino literature in English influenced by Western trends (Romanticism and Realism).

• Short stories emerged as a dominant literary form.

• Notable Author: Jose Garcia Villa, known as the “Poet of the Century.”

Key Literary Works and Authors

• Short Stories:

  • Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez: The first short story in English by a Filipino.

  • The Small Key by Paz Latorena.

  • Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa: Explores youth and life choices.

• Novels:

  • Child of Sorrow by Zoilo Galang: The first English novel by a Filipino.

The Role of Newspapers in Literary Production

• El Nuevo Dia (The New Day): Founded by Sergio Osmena in 1900, known for nationalistic writings.

Plays Reflecting Nationalism

• Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas by Aurelio Tolentino: Portrays Filipino oppression by American imperialism.

Philippine Literature During the Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

• Literary Works:

  • Tanikalang Ginto (Golden Chains) by Juan Abad: Themes of freedom from colonial rule.

  • Walang Sugat (No Wounds) by Severino Reyes: Dramatic portrayal of nationalism.

Characteristics of Literature During the American Period

• Shifts in Language Usage:

  • English gained dominance in literature, alongside Spanish and Tagalog.

  • English writers focused on realism and romanticism, while Tagalog writers discussed social issues.

Opening of Public Schools and English as the Medium of Instruction

• Notable Institutions Established:

  • Philippine Normal College (1901)

  • Silliman University (1901)

  • Central Philippine University (1905)

  • University of the Philippines (1908)

  • National University (1901)

Regional Literature

• Ilocano Literature:

  • Pedro Bukaneg: "Father of Ilocano Literature."

  • Claro Caluya: "Prince of Ilocano Poets."

• Kapampangan Literature:

  • Juan Crisostomo Soto: "Father of Kapampangan Literature."

  • Aurelio Tolentino: Notable for translating works to Kapampangan.

• Visayan Literature:

  • Eriberto Gumban: "Father of Visayan Literature."

  • Magdalen Jalandoni: Known for her novel "Tunuksan Isa Ca Bulaklak."

The Legacy of the American Period in Philippine Literature

• Influence of English Language:

  • Significant rise in literary production in English.

  • Flourished alongside Spanish and Tagalog literature, enhancing the diversity of Philippine literature.

• Cultural Exchange and Education:

  • Resulted in growth and evolution of new literary traditions, contributing to modern Filipino identity.

Impact of Japanese Occupation on Philippine Literature

Censorship and Repression

• English Language Restrictions:

  • Japanese authorities banned English usage in newspapers.

• Limited Freedom of Expression:

  • Censorship caused negativity in literary works, reflecting a pessimistic tone.

Themes in Literature During the Occupation

• Nationalism:

  • Writers expressed resistance to foreign domination and aspired for independence.

• Everyday Life of Filipinos:

  • Literature depicted struggles of ordinary Filipinos in rural settings.

• Faith and Resilience:

  • Various works highlighted faith as a coping mechanism.

Language and Medium of Writing

• Tagalog Promotion:

  • Tagalog was emphasized by the military, leading to more vernacular literature.

• Writers Abroad:

  • Filipino expatriates in the U.S. continued to produce unrestricted literary works.

Notable Literary Forms During the Japanese Occupation

1. Poetry

• Haiku and Tanaga:

  • Short forms embraced for their allegorical nature and depth.

2. Short Stories

• Resilient Writers:

  • Featured many notable writers who produced significant narratives amidst repression.

3. Plays

• Stage Plays in Tagalog:

  • Translations of English plays; key figures included Jose Ma. Hernandez and Francisco Soc Rodrigo.

Significant Figures in Literature During the Japanese Period

1. Carlos P. Romulo: Pulitzer Prize winner known for narratives depicting Filipino experiences.

2. Journalists and Essayists:

• Salvador P. Lopez: Literature and Society essayist.

• Leon Ma Guerrero and Raul Manglapuz contributed significantly during the era.

3. Short Story Writers:

• Nick Joaquin, Bienvenido Santos, Gregorio Brillantes famously crafted impactful narratives.

The Resilience of Filipino Literature

• Despite harsh censorship, literature thrived in Tagalog and vernacular literature focusing on nationalism and faith, marking a cultural shift towards Filipino literary expression that would develop post-war.