Naquila, Russel Angelo B. - Written Work 1

1. What do you know about the different Literary Periods in Philippine Literature?

The term "literary period" refers to a period and place in which a piece of literature has the same intellectual, linguistic, sociological, technological, and historical influences or trends as another piece of literature. In terms of literature, the Philippines have a long and varied history, with a wide range of works from many periods and locations. Philippine literature is classified into three periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial. These three periods, on the other hand, are broken down into smaller ones. All in all, there is an estimated number of 10 literary periods in Philippine Literature. The term "pre-colonial" (BC-1564) refers to the era of time that existed in the Philippines before colonialism was introduced. Next on the list is the Colonial Period (1565-1945) which is a literary period during the colonization of other nations in our country. The Colonial Period consists of 5 different periods namely: Spanish Colonization (1565-1863), Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898), American Colonization (1898-1944), Japanese Period (1941-1945), and Philippine Literature during the Japanese Occupation (1941-1945). Finally, the Post-Colonial (1970-present) period is a literary period after other nations colonized the Philippines. The Post-Colonial literary period consists of also 5 periods namely: Period of Activism (1970-1972), Period of the New Society (1972-1980), Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985), Post-EDSA 1 Revolution (1986-1995) and the 21st Century Period.  

2. What are the essential elements of the literary pieces under different periods of Philippine Literature?  

 

Pre-Colonial Period

    During the Pre-Colonial period, Philippine literature was mostly oriented on philosophy and phraseology and was based on oral traditions. Written literary styles didn't last in the pre-colonial period because the materials utilized, especially leaves and bamboo canes, had a truncated composition. However, oral literature was continuously propagated which discusses riddles, proverbs, folksongs and folktales, and myths and legends.                                          

 

Colonial Period

   During the Spanish Colonial period, it not only paved Spain's culture, tradition, and language but also its literature. It paved the way for the use of paper in the Philippines, and as a result, written literature was formed. Also, religion was one of the most common themes in Philippine literature.

During the Period of Enlightenment, most literary works are on Filipinos' bad experiences and sufferings, as well as the colonial conundrum. A well-known Filipino writer during this time was Jose Rizal, whose two works (Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) were about the Filipinos' struggles as well as colonizers' oppression and cruelty.

 

   During the American Regime, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write in English. Some writers strove to compose creative texts to express hope and arouse love for the country, while others continued to write about the loss and sorrow they felt as a result of the colonizers. The themes and approaches of American writers were also replicated by other Filipino writers.

 

   During the Japanese Period, Philippine Literature in English was halted. Most Filipino poetry and literary works dealt with subjects such as nationalism, country, love, and life. Three types of poems also emerged during this period, specifically haiku, tanaga, and karaniwang anyo (common form). Also, Because of the strict Japanese limitations, most books and literary works were published in both Filipino and English. Most themes in the writings are brutalities, oppression, poverty, and many more that are related to Japanese colonization.

 

Post-Colonial Period

  During the Period of Activism, people were particularly rebellious in pursuing reforms because of the problems of society. Society became rebellious during these times. Newspapers showed rebellious impulses and aristocratic writers developed a sense of responsibility for society. They used their pens to stand up to the government's injustice and to fight for what was right.

 

  During the Period of New Society, most of the literary works were about the country's development or improvements, such as the green revolution, family planning, appropriate nutrition, the environment, drug addiction, and pollution. Newspapers and magazines were popular among Filipinos during this period because they had different formats and covered more topics such as discipline, culture, and tourism.

 

   During the period of the Third Republic, most literary works were romantic and revolutionary as former President Marcos lifted Martial Law and named this new era "The New Republic of the Philippines," literary works' subjects focus on true-to-life occurrences like sadness, poverty, freedom, love of God, nation, and fellowmen.

 

   During the Post EDSA 1 Revolution, the people's power prevailed and history took a new turn. In the short span, several changes were already evident. English and Filipino continued to be the major media of literature. Literature became a venue for socio-politico-economic-religious discussions. Themes in most literary works are existentialism, deception, and violence perpetrated by those and power, poverty, human rights violations, and many more. 

   During the 21st Century Period or the present, to fulfill the demands and tastes of the next generation, new trends and methods were adopted. Other forms of communication, such as the use of technology and the internet, are now being employed in addition to the written and oral literature. Some literary works are also influenced with new codes or newly developed languages (Gen Z Language). Furthermore, the 21st Century Literary Period is  striving for more diverse, gender-balanced, modern, empowered, and innovative works of literature.