[21st century lit] midterm
Literary Terms
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Biographical Context | Understanding by considering the author's life and experiences. |
Blog | A website with regularly updated posts, often expressing personal opinions or experiences. |
Chick Lit | A genre focusing on modern womanhood, often light-hearted and humorous. |
Close Analysis | A detailed examination of a literary passage, focusing on word choice, structure, and literary devices to reveal deeper themes. |
Context | External factors (historical, cultural, social, etc.) influencing a literary work’s meaning. |
Creative Nonfiction | A genre that combines factual accuracy with literary techniques, making real events engaging and narrative-driven. |
Critical Interpretation | An analytical explanation of a literary work’s meaning, often emphasizing themes and literary criticism. |
Critical Paper | An academic composition analyzing and evaluating a text, supported by evidence. |
Figures of Speech | Figurative language that creates vivid imagery and conveys meaning beyond literal words. |
Flash Fiction | A very short fictional story, usually under 1,000 words. |
Hyperpoetry | Digital poetry using hyperlinks, often interactive and visually dynamic. |
Linguistic Context | The language that helps determine the meaning and interpretation |
Literary Elements | Fundamental storytelling components (theme, setting, and conflict) |
Literary Genre | A category of literature based on technique, tone, or content. |
Literary History | The evolution of literature and its techniques over time. |
Literary Techniques | Specific language choices by an author to convey meaning. |
Literary Traditions | A collection of interconnected works sharing stylistic or historical influences |
Mobile Phone Text Tula | A modern take on traditional Filipino poetry (e.g., tanaga), often short and rhymed. |
National Literature | Literature that reflects a nation’s history, culture, and identity. |
Oral History Research | Recording and analyzing people’s firsthand accounts of past events. |
Sociocultural Context | The societal influences and criticisms found in literary works. |
Speculative Fiction | A broad genre including sci-fi, fantasy, horror, dystopian fiction, and more. |
Digital Fiction | A narrative blending books, videos, and the internet, meant for digital consumption. |
21st Century Literature | Modern literary works from 2001 onward, often diverse and experimental. |
Folksonomy | A system of tagging and classifying content collaboratively. |
Folkscanomy | A volunteer-driven digital collection of books and texts for widespread access. |
Development of Philippine Literature
1. Pre-colonial
Oral transmission
literature was transmitted through word of mouth
used rhythmic techniques for memory & recall
allowed for literature to be passed down through generations
Riddle (bugtong)
orally transmitted puzzles to be solves
poetic, clever, rythmic for entertainment
Proverbs
sayings reflecting cultural values and lessons from ancestors
structured with rhythm and wit to suit the youth
Epics
heroic tales & mystical adventures
sung/chanted
Shorter forms of fiction - myths, legends, and fables
Myths: stories of gods, goddesses, creation (e.g. diwata)
Legends (alamat): how things came to be w/ moral lessons
fables: animals/planets acting like humans
Lullabies (Uyayi/Oyayi)
songs to make children sleep
Folk songs
traditional songs passed down orally
talindaw: seafarers
kumintang: war
kundiman: melancholic love songs
panambitan: courtship
Form of writing (Baybayin)
Philippine script before Latin alphabet during Spanish rule
Key Takeaways
highly creative, oral, community-focused
strong foundation of lit even before spaniards
2. Spanish
Religious traditions
heavily influenced by Christianity, focus on morality, devotion, faith
The Story of Christ and His Passion
central theme in religious texts
dramatized in Cenaculo/Sinakulo - reenactment of Passion
Narrative Poetry
Religious stories (has plot, characters, setting) in verse form to teach Christian values
Religious lyric poems
devotional poetry to praise God/express faith
used in early catechism + to teach Filipinos Spanish
Meditative verses
poems used for spiritual & educational purposes
included in novenas and cathecisms
dalit: no fixed meter/rhythm scheme
Dramatic forms - sarswela, cenaculo/sinakulo, comedia/komedya
sarswela: musical plays w/ moral/social themes
cenaculo/sinakulo
comedia/komedya: theatrical performances depicting battles w/ Christians & Muslims to promote christinanity
Religious narrative prose - Urbana at Feliza
to prescribe proper behavior
for instruction in Catholic faith & colonization
Urbana & Feliza: how to follow Christian way of living & prevent temptation
Prayer books
first & most significant literary works
spread Catholicism & culture
Doctrina Christiana:
first book printed in Philippines (1593)
religious text with prayers, doctrines, teachings in Spanish & Baybayin & Tagalog
Rise of the Ilustrados
educated Filipinos influenced by enlightenment philosophy
sparked nationalism, encouraged filos to fight for their rights
Medium (language) used for writing
Spanish + local languages + English
Spanish = literature, government, religion
Filipinos wrote in native language
English = introduced by Americans, later replaced Spanish
3. American
Medium of Instruction and Media for Writing
English = official medium of instruction in schools.
Public education was introduced, shaping the first generation of Filipino writers in English.
Literary works were published in newspapers, magazines, and books, leading to the rise of Filipino writers using English.
Genres of Literature That Flourished
Poetry
Sarswela – A musical play depicting Filipino life (e.g., Malaya).
Short Story – Became the dominant literary form, with brief fictional narratives.
Novels – Explored Filipino identity, history, and social issues.
Zoilo Galang’s “A Child of Sorrow”
The first English novel written by a Filipino.
Inspired by Spanish and Tagalog romances.
Themes: Friendship, love, sacrifice, and loss of innocence.
Periods of Literature in the American Era
Re-orientation (1898-1910)
English = literary language.
Early works were translations of Spanish texts/imitations of Western literature.
Filipino writers experimented with new themes, styles, and techniques, influenced by American literature.
Imitation (1910-1925)
Filipino writers imitated American and British authors, adopting their styles and themes.
Literature at this time showed competence in English but lacked originality.
Short stories and novels became popular literary forms.
Writers began addressing national identity and colonial history.
Self-Discovery & Growth (1925-1941)
Writers developed unique styles and voices, moving away from imitation.
focused on Filipino identity, culture, and social issues.
The short story became the dominant genre,
tackling realistic themes such as class struggles, colonial influences, and cultural conflicts.
4. Japanese
Medium for Writing
English = banned → Tagalog became the dominant language
revived traditional literary forms such as haiku and tanaga, which were short and could be easily circulated under strict censorship.
Underground literature emerged secretly expressing resistance to Japanese.
Genres of Literature That Flourished
Traditional poetry: Haiku, Tanaga, and Karaniwang Anyo (short, structured poetry).
Plays (Dulang Tagalog): Traditional Filipino drama adapted from English plays.
Underground literature
Prominent Writers
Carlos Bulosan – A Filipino-American writer who wrote in English underground, focusing on racism, labor rights, and Filipino experiences.
Liwayway Arceo – Writer and journalist known for short stories addressing social issues and women’s roles in society (Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa).
Juan Laya – Adapted to writing in Tagalog and produced plays like Sa Sariling Lupa (1943), reflecting the socio-political climate.
Notable Works
The Voice of Bataan (1943) – Carlos Bulosan; essays and poems depicting life under Japanese occupation.
With Harp & Sling – Alfredo Litiatco; literary work from the Japanese period.
Forces That Make a Nation Great – Jose P. Laurel; reflections on national strength and identity.
5. Post-war/Modern Contemporary
Media for Writing
English became the dominant literary language.
Filipino (Tagalog) saw a revival, supported by publications such as Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang-Ilang, and Sinag-Tala.
Genres of Literature That Flourished
Fiction – Stories about war experiences, social issues, and class struggles.
Short Stories – Explored themes like poverty, urbanization, and nationalism.
Comics – Featured superheroes, folklore, action, and science fiction.
Prominent Writers
Nick Joaquin – National Artist for Literature (1976); wrote about history, identity, and tradition vs. modernity (The Woman Who Had Two Navels).
N.V.M. Gonzalez – National Artist (1997); focused on rural life and Filipino resilience (A Season of Grace).
F. Sionil José – Wrote about social justice and class struggles (The Pretenders).
Edith Tiempo – First female National Artist for Literature (1999); explored feminism and morality.
Lualhati Bautista – Known for novels about martial law and women’s rights (Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata... Pa’no Ka Ginawa?).
Jose Dalisay Jr. – Wrote about martial law, political oppression, and self-discovery (Killing Time in a Warm Place).
Jessica Hagedorn – Filipino-American writer known for political satire (Dogeaters).
Virgilio Almario – National Artist for Literature (2003); advocated for the use of Filipino in literature.
Notable Works
The Woman Who Had Two Navels (1961) – Nick Joaquin; explores Filipino identity and colonial history.
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1952) – Nick Joaquin; a play about nationalism and tradition vs. modernity.
A Season of Grace (1956) – N.V.M. Gonzalez; highlights struggles in rural life.
The Pretenders (1962) – F. Sionil José; critiques social inequality and the Philippine oligarchy.
Dekada ‘70 (1983) – Lualhati Bautista; a defining novel of the anti-Marcos movement.
Bata, Bata... Pa’no Ka Ginawa? (1988) – Lualhati Bautista; explores women’s empowerment and identity.
Dogeaters (1990) – Jessica Hagedorn; satire of Philippine politics and American cultural influence.
Killing Time in a Warm Place (1992) – Jose Dalisay Jr.; discusses trauma and disillusionment under martial law.
6. 21st Century
Media for Writing
English became the dominant literary language.
Filipino (Tagalog) saw a revival, supported by publications such as Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang-Ilang, and Sinag-Tala.
Genres of Literature That Flourished
Fiction – Stories about war experiences, social issues, and class struggles.
Short Stories – Explored themes like poverty, urbanization, and nationalism.
Comics – Featured superheroes, folklore, action, and science fiction.
Prominent Writers
Nick Joaquin – National Artist for Literature (1976); wrote about history, identity, and tradition vs. modernity (The Woman Who Had Two Navels).
N.V.M. Gonzalez – National Artist (1997); focused on rural life and Filipino resilience (A Season of Grace).
F. Sionil José – Wrote about social justice and class struggles (The Pretenders).
Edith Tiempo – First female National Artist for Literature (1999); explored feminism and morality.
Lualhati Bautista – Known for novels about martial law and women’s rights (Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata... Pa’no Ka Ginawa?).
Jose Dalisay Jr. – Wrote about martial law, political oppression, and self-discovery (Killing Time in a Warm Place).
Jessica Hagedorn – Filipino-American writer known for political satire (Dogeaters).
Virgilio Almario – National Artist for Literature (2003); advocated for the use of Filipino in literature.
Notable Works
The Woman Who Had Two Navels (1961) – Nick Joaquin; explores Filipino identity and colonial history.
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1952) – Nick Joaquin; a play about nationalism and tradition vs. modernity.
A Season of Grace (1956) – N.V.M. Gonzalez; highlights struggles in rural life.
The Pretenders (1962) – F. Sionil José; critiques social inequality and the Philippine oligarchy.
Dekada ‘70 (1983) – Lualhati Bautista; a defining novel of the anti-Marcos movement.
Bata, Bata... Pa’no Ka Ginawa? (1988) – Lualhati Bautista; explores women’s empowerment and identity.
Dogeaters (1990) – Jessica Hagedorn; satire of Philippine politics and American cultural influence.
Killing Time in a Warm Place (1992) – Jose Dalisay Jr.; discusses trauma and disillusionment under martial law.
National Artists
What is this Award About?
The Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (National Artist Award) is the highest recognition given to Filipino writers who have made significant contributions to Philippine literature. It honors individuals who have enriched the country’s cultural heritage through their works.
Criteria & Issuance
Awarded by: Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) & National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Frequency: The award is not issued on a fixed schedule but is typically conferred every three years.
Current Number of National Artists for Literature: 16 awardees as of today.
Benefits of the Award
Cash Prize and monthly stipend for life.
Medical and hospitalization benefits.
Life insurance.
A place of honor in state functions and national ceremonies.
Grand Collar minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
State funeral at Libingan ng mga Bayani upon passing.
Financial award to legal heirs of deceased awardees.
Prominent National Artists for Literature
1. Nick Joaquin (1976)
Writing Style: Lyrical and baroque; uses magical realism, historical narratives, and Filipino folklore.
Focus: Explores Filipino identity, colonial influences, and social history.
Notable Works:
May Day Eve (1947) – A short story blending fantasy and human relationships.
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1950) – A play about nationalism and art.
2. Carlos P. Romulo (1982)
Writing Style: Journalistic, persuasive, and focused on international relations.
Focus: Advocated for Philippine nationalism and diplomacy.
Notable Works:
I Walked with Heroes (1961) – Autobiography of his life as a diplomat.
I Saw the Fall of the Philippines (1943) – A firsthand account of World War II.
3. Rolando Tinio (1997)
Writing Style: Modernist and innovative, introducing Taglish poetry.
Focus: Filipino identity, language, and social issues.
Notable Works:
Sitsit sa Kuliglig (1972) – A poetry collection in Filipino.
Ang Burgis Sa Kanyang Almusal (1970) – A social commentary poem.
4. Edith Tiempo (1999)
Writing Style: Concise and symbolic, emphasizing psychological depth.
Focus: Human emotion, morality, and life’s existential themes.
Notable Works:
Bonsai (1972) – A poem about love and limitations.
The Little Marmoset – A poem about control and fragility in relationships.
5. F. Sionil José (2001)
Writing Style: Realistic and straightforward, focused on social justice.
Focus: Class struggles, colonial history, and social inequality.
Notable Works:
Po-on (1984) – A novel about Spanish colonial resistance.
My Brother, My Executioner (1973) – A novel about social class conflicts.
6. Virgilio Almario (2003)
Writing Style: Poetic and politically engaged, advocating Filipino identity.
Focus: Nationalism, language preservation, and literary criticism.
Notable Contributions: Modernized Filipino poetry and translated key global works.
7. N.V.M. Gonzalez (1997)
Writing Style: Minimalist and detailed, focusing on rural Filipino life.
Focus: The struggles of common Filipinos, identity, and human resilience.
Notable Works:
The Bread of Salt – A short story about adolescence and social class.
A Season of Grace – A novel on rural life and survival.
8. Jose Garcia Villa (1973)
Writing Style: Experimental modernist poetry, known for "reversed consonance".
Focus: Filipino identity, language, and poetic innovation.
Notable Works:
Have Come, Am Here – A poetry collection.
Footnote to Youth – A short story about early marriage and responsibility.
21st Century Authors
1. Lualhati Bautista
Style of Writing: Social realism, feminist themes, political critique.
Focus: Strong female protagonists, martial law, dictatorship, human rights, and social injustice.
Notable Works:
Dekada ‘70 – A novel about a mother’s experience during the Marcos dictatorship.
Bata, Bata... Pa’no Ka Ginawa? – A feminist novel tackling women’s rights and single motherhood.
Desaparesidos – A novel about enforced disappearances during the dictatorship.
2. Jessica Zafra
Style of Writing: Witty, sarcastic, and critical; mixes humor with sharp social commentary.
Focus: Pop culture, politics, literature, and current events.
Notable Works:
Twisted – A collection of essays on politics, culture, and everyday life.
Womenagerie and Other Tales from the Front – A collection of short stories.
3. Conchitina Cruz
Style of Writing: Poetic, intricate, emotionally deep, and experimental.
Focus: Identity, relationships, and the intersection of personal and collective histories.
Notable Work:
Dark Hours – A poetry collection exploring loneliness, violence, and memory.
4. Merlie Alunan
Style of Writing: Reflective, poetic, and rooted in regional Filipino literature.
Focus: Filipino identity, culture, history, and women’s experiences.
Notable Works:
Tales of the Spiderwoman – A collection of poetry focusing on personal and mythological themes.
Amina Among the Angels – A book of poetry examining spirituality and Filipino traditions.
5. Isagani Cruz
Style of Writing: Formal, academic, and analytical.
Focus: Philippine law, politics, and constitutional studies.
Notable Works:
Philippine Political Law – A foundational book on constitutional and governance structures.
Constitutional Law – A key legal reference in the Philippines.
International Law – Discusses global legal frameworks.
6. Michael Coroza
Style of Writing: Poetic, musical, and rooted in Filipino oral traditions.
Focus: Traditional Filipino literary forms like Balagtasan, Kundiman, and Balitaw.
Notable Works:
Dili’t Dilim – A poetry collection that celebrates Filipino oral traditions.
Ang mga Kahon ni Kalon – A poetic reflection on Filipino culture.
7. Norman Wilwayco
Style of Writing: Gritty, raw, and realistic, often tackling the harsh realities of urban poverty.
Focus: Politics, migration, and marginalized communities.
Notable Works:
Gerilya – A novel about rebellion and insurgency in the Philippines.
Migrantik – A story about the struggles of Filipino migrant workers.
8. Charlson Ong
Style of Writing: Satirical, socially aware, and reflective of Chinese-Filipino identity.
Focus: Chinese-Filipino communities, social issues, and cultural clashes.
Notable Works:
Banyaga: A Song of War – A novel about the Chinese-Filipino experience in the Philippines.
Men of the East and Other Stories – A collection of short stories exploring Filipino-Chinese identity.
Tenets of 21st-Century Lit
Tenet: fundamental principle, belief, or idea; guiding rule or concept shaping how something is understood or practiced
Technological Integration
Literature now incorporates digital platforms, interactive storytelling, and multimedia elements (hypertext, videos, and social media)
Diversity and Inclusivity
represents a wide range of cultures, identities, and experiences, giving voice to historically marginalized communities.
Hybrid Genres and Experimental Forms
Traditional boundaries between genres are blurred, allowing for unique storytelling methods like prose-poetry, text-talk novels, and cross-media fiction.
Global Perspectives
addresses universal themes (migration, globalization, and cross-cultural interactions) fostering a sense of interconnectedness.
Social and Political Engagement
writers tackle human rights, activism, pressing social issues
literature a tool for awareness and change.
Environmental Consciousness
Climate change and ecological concerns are central themes
inspiring stories that reflect humanity’s relationship with nature and sustainability efforts.
Postmodern Influences
Modern literature embraces fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, metafiction, and non-linear storytelling
challenging conventional literary norms.
Celebrtion of Hybrid Media (Multimedia & Interactivity)
Literature is no longer confined to print
Reader Participation/Reader-Writer Interaction
The internet has transformed literature into a collaborative space
readers influence narratives through comments, voting systems, and fanfiction communities.
Literature VS literature
Literature
higher art form
inventive, of lasting value, expresses ideas of permanent and universal interest
can present abstract/concrete knowledge
fiction/nonfiction, abstruse/simple
literature
everyday, not of lasting value
any printed material
cookbooks, travel magazines, TV/billboards
can have artistic value but not of lasting value and of universal/permanent interest