21st Century Literature From The Philippines and The World
21st Century Literature From The Philippines and The World
21st Century Literature From The Philippines and The World
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21st Century
Literature from
the Philippines
and the World
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
Historical Overview of Philippine
Literature: Post-colonial Period
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
What I Need to Know
MELC:
Write a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts and doing
an adaptation of these require from the learner the ability to identify:
(EN12Lit-Ia)
the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine
literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary
representative texts and authors from each region (e.g. engage in
oral history research with focus on key personalities from the students’
region/province/town)
Compare and contrast the various 21st century literary genres and the ones
from the earlier genres/periods citing their elements, structures and
traditions (EN12Lit-Id-25)
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.
2. Who assumed the presidency after the death of Manuel Quezon during the
post-colonial period?
A. Diosdado Macapagal
B. Ferdinand Marcos
C. Manuel Roxas
D. Sergio Osmeña Sr.
3. What term associated with Martial Law did Marcos use in stabilizing the
chaotic condition of the Philippines?
A. Edsa Revolution Movement
B. New Society Movement
C. Peaceful Reform Movement
D. Social Reform Movement
4. What refers to the prestigious award given to gifted Filipino writers and their
outstanding literary works and is considered as the counterpart of Pulitzer
Prize in the United States?
A. Gawad Urian Awards
B. National Artists of the Philippines
C. Palanca Awards
D. Premio Zobel
5. Who among the authors does NOT belong to the post-colonial period?
A. Jose Dalisay, Jr.
B. Jose Garcia Villa
C. Nick Joaquin
D. Pedro Paterno
8. In which period in history was the short poetry Tanaga first emerged?
A. American Period
B. Japanese Period
C. Pre-colonial Period
D. Spanish Period
10. Which 21st century literary genre addresses issues concerning woman that
is often depicted in humorous or light hearted manner?
A. Chick Lit
B. Flash Fiction
C. Hyperpoetry
D. Text Tula
What’s In
Can you name all of the Presidents of the Philippines? List them down and
choose one that you admire the most. Provide a brief description of your chosen
President. Write your answer on a separate sheet.
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND: The writers' experiences, aspirations, and feelings reflect
the literary works they produce. Nowadays, people are turning into their social media
accounts to express their deep thoughts and feelings. If you were to share something
about the current condition of the Philippines to the World in any of your social
media account, what would be your status about? Use the space provided below for
your answer.
Pinoy Ako
Public + Album
✔ Filipino writers began to develop new themes, styles, and techniques. The first
notable work that appeared right after the second world war under Japanese
occupation in the Philippines is a novel written by Macario Pineda entitled
Ginto sa Makiling which was considered as a narrative of the Philippines’
social, political, and moral aspects (Macansantos, et al, n.d.). It was noted for
its resemblance to the work of Rizal and more on the work of Balagtas in terms
of plot and style.
✔ The rise of English writers began after exposure to American language and
culture, although there were still many Filipino writers observed using the
vernaculars. Sarvia (n.d.) considers the following factors contributory to the
flourishing of Filipino literature: 1) establishment of the University of the
Philippines in 1908 where English was primarily used as the medium of
instruction, 2) the founding of the Philippine Writers’ Association in 1953, and
3) the establishment of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award in 1955 to name
a few.
✔ According to Macansantos et al (n.d.), among the common literary themes in
novels and short stories were war experiences which can be seen in the works
of Stevan Javellana’s Without Seeing the Dawn (1947) and Edilberto Tiempo’s
Watch in the Night for the English category. While for Filipino literature that
used the vernaculars, the works of Lazaro Francisco were profoundly noted
for his style associated to Rizal’s influence such as Bayaning Nagpatiwakal
(1932), Sugat sa Alaala (1950), Maganda pa ang Daigdig (1956), and Daluyong
(1962). The influence of both Spanish and American styles could be observed
in the work of Nick Joaquin where his flashback technique was highly
appreciated by critics. Some writers attempted to incorporate a taste of folk
What’s More
ASSESSMENT 1a: Complete the table below by supplying the necessary information.
You may use another sheet if the space provided is not enough.
Third Republic
(1946-1972)
Fourth Republic
(1972-1986)
Martial Law
Period or New
Republic
Fifth Republic
(1986- present)
How similar are our preferences and aspirations as a people then and now as
reflected in our literature? How do the current literary genres fare in comparison with
their earlier counterparts? Do they mirror each other albeit in different contexts and
audiences? Do we see continuing traditions or has the recent advancement in
technology and lifestyle created totally different literary forms?
Try making a connection between the literature of your grandparents and the
literature of your generation. Match earlier works with those of current writers which
you can find in the Internet.
The 21st century literature (sometimes called "contemporary literature") is
viewed as the literature of the new generation. Specifically, this refers to literary piece
or diverse postmillennial texts that have been produced since 2000 or 2001 up to the
present. The shift from paper to the screen first took place in this type of literature
and the use of technology for human expression such as e-book, blog, digi-fiction,
etc. has been very common.
✔ CHARACTERISTICS OF 21ST CENTURY LITERATURE:
-written by contemporary authors within the last decade
-deals with current issues and themes
-reflects technological culture
-literature of emerging genres
-often breaks traditional writing
How the novel gave way to short stories as life became busier and more fast-
paced after the Industrial Revolution in the Western World would also explain the
emergence of new genres which complemented dependence on the internet and the
gadgets required to access them. The 21st century learners were born with the
computer already as part of the daily life essential. Some literary genres which the
computer and internet helped create are the following:
Genre Definition
Blog This is also known as web log or a website containing short
articles called posts that are changed regularly. Some blogs
are written by one person containing their own opinions,
interests and experiences, while others are written by many
different people.
Chick Lit This genre fiction addresses issues of modern womanhood,
often humorously and light-heartedly. The genre became
popular in the late 1990s, with chick lit titles topping best
seller lists and the creation of imprints devoted entirely to
chick lit.
Creative Also known as literary nonfiction or narrative nonfiction, it
Nonfiction is a genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques
to create factually accurate narratives. Creative nonfiction
contrasts with other nonfiction, such as technical writing or
journalism, which is also rooted in accurate fact, but is not
primarily written in service to its craft. As a genre, creative
nonfiction is still relatively young, and is only beginning to
be scrutinized with the same critical analysis given to fiction
and poetry.
ASSESSMENT 2a: The Kundiman- is the traditional Filipino love song which became
popular in the late 19th century and well into many decades of the 20th century. The
King and Queen of Kundiman were Ruben Tagalog and Sylvia La Torre respectively.
Here are samples of lyrics from kundiman songs. Can you find similar Filipino
compositions from the present? Write their lyrics next to those of the given
Kundiman.
O. ilaw
Sa gabing malamig
Wangis mo'y
Bituin sa langit
O, tanglaw
Sa gabing tahimik
Larawan mo, Neneng
Nagbigay pasakit
ASSESSMENT 2b: Have you watched a Balagtasan? It is a verbal joust named after
18th century literary great Francisco Balagtas, author of the Florante at Laura. Look
up examples of the Balagtasan from popular video-sharing sites. Does your
generation have a counterpart for it? What is it called? Contrast the Balagtasan with
present-day form of verbal jousting. How do their elements (language, theme,
participants, setting, rules) differ. Answer this on a separate sheet.
ASSESSMENT 2c: Those 21st century literary genres are very much complemented
by if not dependent on technology. Instead of the printed “pocketbooks” that your
elders used to buy from the sidewalks at the University Belt or from a popular
bookstore, your generation just download or read an e-book online. Instead of buying
vinyl records of your grandparents' favorite Kundiman singers, your peer would just
log-on to music-sharing sites and listen to a variety of music at a click of a gadget.
Themes have also adjusted to the moods, whims, and preferences of present-day
youth. The manner by which friendship was forged and courtship was conducted in
the olden days would not appeal to you and your contemporaries. Lyrics of present-
day love songs will reflect that as well as scenes from films that depict present-day
Across Down
Assessment
Multiple Choices. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. What subject or theme is the most common during the contemporary period?
A. Educational issues
B. Psychological issues
C. Social issues
D. Spiritual issues
3. Why do a lot of Filipino thinkers say that the Philippines remains a neocolony
of the U.S.A?
A. Because our country's economy and foreign policy are both dependent
on American government
B. Because Philippines is directly governed by American government
C. Because we love Western cultures only
D. This belief is not true.
4. Which phrase best describes the first Edsa Revolution in our country?
A. Bloody Revolution
B. Bloodless Revolution
C. Corrupted Mind
D. The New Society
9. Which among the poems only existed during 21st century literature?
A. Concrete Poem
B. Lyrical Poetry
C. Hyper Poetry
D. Sonnet
10. Which best characterizes 21st century literature as compared to the other
periods?
A. The use of technology is embedded in the creation of this type of
literature.
B. This is a literature written by contemporary authors within the last
decade.
C. This literature often breaks traditional writing.
D. All of the above.
FLASH FICTION WRITING: Let’s try your talent at fiction-writing. Gadgets and apps
have forced brevity onto the way we communicate and tell our stories. The following
are examples of six-word-stories. Can you see all the elements of a story in them?
How do you know they tell a story?
1. Hello, goodbye, all in a hurry.
Pre-colonial
Period
Colonial
Period
Post-colonial
Period