Arzadon, Bobbie Claire L. - Written Work 2

A Critical Analysis:

Philippine Literature

by Frank R. Blake

I. Writer's Thesis and Purpose

        The author’s purpose of writing is reflected upon the way he/she writes the passage. And the thesis of the text is easily determined by identifying the main statement that is being discussed throughout the paper, it is commonly found in the beginning. The work being critiqued is entitled, Philippine Literature, written by Frank R. Blake, an American Anthropologist.

        At the beginning of the text, Blake listed three groups of different tribes that make up the native population of the Philippines namely, mountain pagan tribes, Mohammedan and Christian tribes. As the text progresses, it primarily discusses those three tribes. Thereupon, the writer’s purpose of writing is to inform and to explain. He embodied that purpose by giving a detailed elaborative explanation of each tribe. He primarily discussed the literary works of each tribe, the structure, form, writing style, delivery, and language used. Geographical location, languages used, tradition and their works of literature are broadly discussed. This can be observed when Blake highlighted how Christian tribes are driven by their faith by persistently producing religious works of literature as most writers were friars. Secular works are considered to be rare because the parishes intentionally exclude native secular priests. Also, Blake went on to detail the form and structure of Tagalog verse which is a literary work of the Christian tribe. He aims to demonstrate a connection of each by using distinct aspects such as the languages used and practice or works being influenced by preceding tribes. It is evident when the author introduced the Arabic phrase “Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi” which is followed by a sentence or two by Malay, a language used by the tribe Pagan. The similarities of Moros and Pagan are also stated when it comes to the variety of alphabets used. He also mentioned examples of literary works in each tribe which gives readers convenience to learn more. The author organized the text logically to give readers a clearer idea of the development of Philippine literature. Given that the author is an Anthropologist, his work primarily focuses on human language, their culture and the evolution of their beliefs which is reflected in their literary works.

        In conclusion, in “Philippine Literature”, Frank R. Blake presented a clear thesis statement at the beginning of the paper. He introduces each tribe to be discussed throughout the text. His purpose to inform and explain are accomplished for he was able to provide supporting details of the thesis statement. Without a doubt, he provided the readers with an elaborative explanation. It offered abundant information but I believe that the paper can be ameliorated. Brief evidence to support some of the statements will make the paper further credible.

II. Analyzing the Structure of the Passage by Identifying the Main Ideas

        “Philippine Literature” written by Frank R. Blake provides a detailed explanation of certain tribes and their different aspects. The main ideas are mentioned clearly at the beginning of the text and expounded as the text progresses. Pagan, Mohammedan and Christian tribes are the main ideas. The rest of the paper focused on the literary works and languages used by each tribe. It gives examples for each to further analyze the literary works of the tribe. This critique will analyze all the main ideas and how it is efficiently supported which led to the formation of text structure.

        In the first part, the Pagan tribe, the main idea, is supported with detailed information of their language used, form of literature and their written alphabetical characters. Geographical features of one of the tribes of Pagan are briefly mentioned. The same goes with the Mohammedan tribe, the distinct language spoken according to the location and their literary works which are explicated by listing classification of four heads are primarily discussed as well. The influence of Pagan on Mohammedan in terms of language and native alphabet practiced which provides a connection between two, it bridges the main ideas. Christian tribes were defined to be the important element for they mostly make up the amount of native population. Blake provided a brief sequence of events when Spaniards colonized the Philippines and influenced them with native alphabets. The text progresses by mentioning the number of works published by each tribe. Works wrote were composed of verse and prose, the author then provides a comprehensive structure of the Tagalog verse, assonance, resonance, phonology, number of syllables; and vowels and consonants to be used. It also pointed out the themes that are the subject of literary works produced. In the Christian tribe, works are mostly religious, it is rare to find secular pieces. Dramatic production, which is also a literary piece was described by the author. Blake also provided a brief history and how it reflects the tribe. Examples of literary works for each tribe are provided by the author. A brief line from a literary piece is seen in the text.

        In summary, the passage focuses on providing detailed information of each tribe, Pagan, Mohammedan and Christian which are the main ideas as well. It is supported with examples and supporting details. By analyzing the passage, I conclude that the text structure is descriptive for it showcases features, details and informations of each tribe. The passage is informative enough, especially on Christian tribes. Pagan and Mohammedan are both important tribes that allowed Philippine literature to prosper. Providing them with descriptive informations as elaborate as Christian tribes will allow the readers to evenly attain knowledge among all tribes.

III. Article Analysis: Clear and Accurate Presentation with Order and Coherence

        The main idea was clearly introduced in the first part of the article. The three tribes listed are the subjects that will be discussed throughout the paper. Each tribe are differently approached and organized particularly. The article is centered on defining and detailing the main ideas by providing supporting statements to each. As the passage progresses, each tribe will be given clarity and shed light for a new knowledge to be attained by readers. Works of literature from each tribe will reflect the evolution of literature in the Philippines. This paper aims to analyze whether the article is able to clearly and accurately present the ideas with order and coherence or not.

        The first tribe to be introduced is Pagan. The author approached the main idea by revealing the languages spoken by the tribe which is Malayo-Polynesian and other distinct languages used by some groups. Tagbawas’ geographical location is illustrated verbally. Subsequently, the passage discusses some languages being applied in written forms as native alphabets and used to form a literary piece such as short inscriptions and written monuments. Similarly, Mohammedan is also introduced by citing the languages they speak according to the location they belong which is also illustrated in the passage verbally. Afterward, their literary works are then presented. The alphabet they use is similar to that used by Malay’s which hints connection between two tribes, Pagan and Mohammedan. Also, an Arabic phrase of theirs includes sentences derived from Malay. In narrating the Christian tribe, the approach used was different from the preceding tribes. It began with giving various examples of works of each tribe along with the amount they produced. The article focused on providing a broad explanation of Tagalog verse. The rest of the article further discussed the themes and form of literary pieces created along with exemplar literary works. The article uses only a few cohesive devices in opening a new paragraph. Within the paragraph, I see linking words being used effectively. Classifications of a certain concept are clearly enumerated and easily understood. Pagan and Mohammedan are almost identical in the way they are presented by the author. Furthermore, the Christian tribe was narrated differently and definitely the most detailed among the three as it presented numerous examples, forms of literature and several supporting details.

        In summary, the author approached each main idea differently. He introduced different aspects of each in sequential patterns which effectively supports the main idea. The ideas are skeptically clear for the article contains words that depict that the author is not sure with his claims such as “so far as I know” and “probably”. There are also some statements that require heavy support of evidence, such as the exclusion of secular priests and supporting details from dramatic productions. Cohesive devices in the opening of each paragraph are not commonly observed but still, the author was able to switch the idea to be discussed effectively.

IV. How is Philippine Literature Presented by the Author?

        The author introduced three main tribes that represent the Philippines’ historical periods Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial. Literary works from each tribe will reflect how our literature progresses over time. Influence from other tribes and colonizers contributed greatly to our modern literatures. This paper will determine how the author presented Philippine literature.

        Pagan, the first tribe to be introduced began by revealing the languages they embrace and native alphabets they use on their literary works such as short inscriptions and written monuments. Pagan tribe reflects how literature in the Pre-Colonial period was. Before even the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, Muslims were already influencing Filipinos with their own beliefs. Mohammedan, similar to Pagan, started by introducing the languages used according to the location they belong. Alphabets are modified but came originally from Malays. The writings are then classified and forms of literary works are presented. Here, we can perceive how religion is slowly dominating literature. They begin to formulate religious phrases that are used widely by the population. Lastly, in the Christian tribe which represents the Colonial period, the number of works published from different tribes is increasing. The evolution of literature is well-explained when the author comprehensively detailed Tagalog verse which is a crucial part of literature before and up until now. During this period, works are mostly religious to the point in which secular works are considered rare. The author was able to present how the Philippines’ literature greatly changed during the Colonization period. Over time, poetical romance also became prominent next to religious works, a well-known example is Florante at Laura which we still study until now. Dramatic productions and seditious drama started to arise as well. Here, we slowly observe how our literature begins to free itself from religious subjects only. Proverbs and riddles are fond of Filipinos, but many of these are borrowed from Spanish. Various literatures published require the use of Spanish grammar. An author then instilled an idea to Filipinos to refrain from being further civilized, instead, we must nurture our own culture and literature, in that way we will be happier and free.

        As the article progresses, the author is able to clearly exhibit the evolution of our literature. Philippine literature started to be mostly orally performed. When Spaniards colonized us, themes and languages used started to affect greatly our literature. But over time, Filipinos are able to live out of Spaniards’ control. Works of literature produced to this day are still a product of authority from our colonizers, but now authors are able to write freely.

V. Significant Developments in the History of Philippine Literature from Pre-Colonial to Colonial Periods

        The Pagan tribe is secular. They do not believe in the existence of Jesus. Hence, their literary works are not influenced by any religion. They create short inscriptions and written monuments using the alphabets of some languages they speak. Literary works are carved in stone.

        Before the Spaniards’ colonization, Philippines is already partially influenced by religion of Muslims. Mohammedan tribes which resided on the chains of small islands extending from Mindanao to Borneo dominated the country with their population. Their writings are historical annals, legal codes, religious texts, orations, stories and many more. A religious phrase “Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi” was frequently used.

        The colonization of Spaniards resulted in revolutionary changes in Philippine literature. They began to teach their language and literary styles. Also, Christianism became widespread and mostly practiced by Filipinos. Almost all literary works published and consumed by people are religious. Secular works are rare to find because the native secular priests were excluded by parishes. It is evident how Christianism became prominent even in our literature. Also, their language influenced ours which we still speak today.

        Over time, poetical romance or corrido became the second prominent literature in the Philippines. It is about the adventures of characters for their loved ones. A popular example is Florante and Laura. Our literature is able to break free from only being specified to religious subjects. Now, literature is used to entertain and give moral lessons which can inspire the audience. Dramatic productions also arose.

        Filipinos began to create proverbs and riddles many are borrowed from Spanish. Few published literary works have to contain grammar of Spanish. An author, Franciscan, once said that Filipinos must not attempt to become more civilized, he will be happy if Filipinos stay ignorant. I believe that he meant to say that Filipinos must stop letting Spaniards influence Filipinos in such great ways that we forget who we are.