INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE Spanish Period (1565-1898)

LITERATURE
➢ The first Filipino alphabet, called
ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman
alphabet.
21ST Century Literature
➢ Teaching of Christian Doctrine
➢ Encompasses works published from 2001
onward.
➢ Characterized as addressing gender issues, THE FIRST BOOKS
incorporating technology, reflecting
cultural diversity, and questioning
conventions. Doctrina Crhistiana (The Christian Doctrine)
➢ First book printed in the Philippines in
1593 in xylography.
Philippine Literature
➢ Literature associated with the Philippines
and includes the legends of pre-history, Nuestra Senora del Rosario
and the colonial legacy of the Philippines.
➢ Pre-Hispanic Philippine Literature were ➢ Contains the biographies of saints, novenas,
actually epics passed on from generation to and questions and answers on religion.
generation originally through oral
tradition.
Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre
➢ The first book printed in typography.
PERIODS OF LITERATURE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Ang Barlaan at Josephat

Pre-Spanish Literature ➢ Biblical story printed in the Philippines and

translated to Tagalog from Greek by Fr.
➢ Folk Tales – made up of stories about life, Antonio de Borja.
adventure, love, horror, and humor where one
can derive lessons. (E.g., The Sun and the
Moon) The Pasion
➢ The Epic Age – long narrative poems in
which a series of heroic achievements or ➢ The book about the life and sufferings of
events, usually of a hero, are dealt with at Jesus Christ.
length. (E.g., Biag ni Lam-ang) ➢ Read only during Lent. Urbana at Felisa.
➢ Folksongs – oldest forms of Philippine
literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish
period. These songs mirrored the early forms Folk Songs
of culture. Many of these have 2 syllables. ➢ Manifests their artistic feelings of the
(E.g., Kundiman, Kumintang/Tagumpay, Filipinos and shows their innate
Dana, And Dalit/Imno, Oyayi/Hele, appreciation for love of beauty. (E.g.,
Soliraning and Talindaw) Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen,
Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, Atin Cu Pung
Sing-Sing)
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Recreational Plays ➢ A poem written while Rizal was
incarcerated at Fort Santiago.
➢ Performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times.
➢ Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salubong, and
Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinos
Zarzuela.
➢ An essay on the so-called Filipino indolence
and an evaluation of the reasons for such
Period of Enlightenment allegations.
➢ Ilustrados – Filipino intellectuals educated
in Europe in 19th Century, where they
Filipinas Dentro De Cien Anos
began to write about the hitch of colonization.
➢ 300 years colonization with Spaniards ➢ essay predicting the increasing influence of
marked as the longest colonial period in the the US in the Philippines and the
Philippine history. The Filipino spirit decreasing interest of Europe.
reawakened when the 3 priests: Gomez,
Brugoz, and Zamora were guillotined w/o
sufficient evidence of guilt. DEL PILAR’S WRITINGS

The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa

➢ Spearheaded mostly by the intellectual ➢ Translated from the Spanish AMOR
middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20,
Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma.
Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
Kaiingat Kayo

RIZAL’S WRITINGS ➢ A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to

Fr. Jose Rodriguez in the novel NOLI of
Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1883.
Noli Me Tangere
➢ The novel that gave spirit to the Dasalan at Tocsohan
propaganda movement and paved the way
to the revolution against Spain. ➢ Similar to a catechism but sarcastically
done against the parish priests, published
in Barcelona in 1888.
El Filibusterismo
➢ The sequel which exposed those in the JAENA’S WRITINGS
government and in the church.

Ang Fray Botod

Mi Ultimo Adios
➢ written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years
after the Cavite Revolt attacking the friars

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 in the Philippines. He exposed how some of ➢ Karaniwang Anyo
the friars were greedy, ambitious, and
immoral.
Period of Activism
➢ According to Ponciano Pineda, youth
La Hija Del Fraile & Everything is Hambug
activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic
➢ Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a and worldwide cause. Because of the ills of
Spaniard. society, the youth moved to seek reforms.

Sa mga Pilipino… 1891 Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

➢ A speech which aimed to improve the ➢ Newspapers donned new forms.
condition of the Filipinos to become free ➢ News on economic progress, discipline,
and progressive. culture, tourism, and the like were favored
more than the sensationalized reporting of
killings, rape, and robberies. Filipinos
Talumpating Pagunita kay Kolumbus before were hooked in reading magazines and
comics.
➢ A speech he delivered in Madrid on the
39th anniversary of the discovery of
America.
Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)
➢ Martial rule was lifted on January 2, 1981
American Regime (1894-1944) ➢ Poems were romantic and revolutionary.
➢ Filipino songs dealt with themes that is true-
➢ Languages used in writing were Spanish and to-life such as grief, poverty, aspiration for
Tagalog and the dialect of the different freedom, love of God, of country and
regions. fellowmen.
➢ Writers in Tagalog, continued in their
lamentations on the conditions of the
country and their attempts to arouse love
Post-EDSA 1 Revolution (1986-1995)
for one’s native tongue and the writers in
English imitated the themes and methods ➢ History took another twist. Once more, the
of the Americans. Filipino people regained their
independence, which they lost twenty
years ago.
The Japanese Period (1941-1945) ➢ In four days from February 21-25 1986, the
so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan)
➢ Common theme of most poems during this prevailed.
occupation was: Nationalism, Love, Faith,
Religion, Country, Life in the barrios,
Arts.
21st Century Period (2001-present)
➢ Haiku – a poem of free verse that the
Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables ➢ New trends have been used and introduced to
divided into three lines. meet the needs and tastes of the new
➢ Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it had generation.
measure and rhyme. ➢ Learners are demanded to be ICT inclined.
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 ➢ New codes or lingos are used in literary D. Folk Tales
pieces. a. Myths – explain how the world was
created, how certain animals possess certain
characteristics, why some places have
DIFFERENT PERIODS OF PHILIPPINE waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains, flora, or
LITERATURE fauna.
b. Legends – explain the origin of things;
examples are Why the Pineapple Has Eyes
I.PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (BC to 1564) and The Legend of Maria Makiling.
A. Characteristics c. Fables – use animal characters and
1. Based on oral traditions allegory
2. Crude on ideology and d. Fantasy stories – deal with
phraseology underworld characters such as “tiyanak,”
B. Literary Forms “aswang,” “kapre,” and others.
1. Oral Literature e. Epics - these are “narratives of
a. Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits among sustained length based on oral tradition
participants Revolving around supernatural events or
2. Tigmo –Cebu Paktakon – Ilonggo heroic deeds.” (Arsenio Manuel)
Patotdon – Bicol Examples: Lam-ang (Ilocano), Hinilawod
b. Proverbs (salawikain) – wise (Panay), Kudaman (Palawan), and Darangen
sayings that contain a metaphor (Maranao)
used to teach as a food for thought
etc. Example: Nasa Diyos ang
awa, nasa tao ang gawa. II. SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD
c. Tanaga - a mono-riming heptasyllabic (1565 – 1863)
quatrain expressing insights and lessons on life.
A. Characteristics - It has two
distinct classifications: religious and
C. Folk Songs - It is a form of folk lyric secular. It introduced Spanish as the
which expresses the hopes and medium of communication.
aspirations, the people's lifestyles as B. Literary Forms
well as their loves. These are often 1. Religious Literature - Religious lyrics
repetitive and sonorous, didactic, and written by ladino poets or those versed
naive. in both Spanish and Tagalog were
included in early catechism and were
used to teach Filipinos the Spanish
a. Hele or oyayi – lullaby language.
b. Ambahan (Mangyan) – 7-syllable per a. Pasyon – long narrative
line poem that are about human relationships and poem about the passion and death
social entertainment of Christ. The most popular was
c. Kalusan (Ivatan) - work songs that “Ang Mahal na Passion ni Jesu
depict the livelihood of the people. Cristong Panginoon Natin” by
d. Tagay (Cebuano and Waray) – drinking Aguino de Belen
song
e. Kanogan (Cebuano) – song of b. Senakulo – dramatization of
lamentation for the dead the pasyon; it shows the passion
and death of Christ.

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 2. Secular (non-religious) b. Poetry True Decalogue –
Literature Apolinario Mabini
a. Awit - colorful tales of Katapusan ng Hibik ng Pilipinas
chivalry made for singing and –Andres Bonifacio
chanting. Example: Ibong Liwanag at Dilim – Emilio
Adana Jacinto
b. Korido – metrical tale written
in octosyllabicquatrains (a line of IV. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1910
verse with Eight syllables) – 1945) A. Period of Apprenticeship (1910-
Example: Florante at Laura by 1930)
Francisco Baltazar • Filipino writers imitated English and
c. Prose Narratives – written to American models.
prescribe proper decorum • Poems written were amateurish and
Dialogo mushy, whose phrasing and diction
were awkward and artificial.
III. NATIONALISTIC / PROPAGANDA ⮚ Short Stories
AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1864 1. Dead Stars by Paz Marquez
– 1896) Benitez
A. Characteristics
2. The Key by Paz Latorena
a. Planted seeds of
nationalism in Filipinos 3. Footnote to Youth by Jose
b. Language shifted from Garcia Villa
Spanish to Tagalog ⮚ Novels Example: Child
c. Addressed the masses of Sorrow – first novel in English
instead of the “intelligentsia” by Zoilo Galang

V. JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1942 - 1945)

B. Literary Forms War Years (1942-1944)
1. Propaganda Literature - Reformatory in 1. Tagalog poets broke away from the
objective Balagtas tradition and instead wrote
a. Political Essays – satires, editorials, and in simple language and free verse
news articles were written to attack and expose 2. Fiction prevailed over poetry
the evils of Spanish rule a. 25 Pinakamabuting Maikling
Diariong Tagalog – founded by Kathang Pilipino (1943) – compilation of
Marcelo del Pilar the entries to the short story contest by the
La Solidaridad – editor-in-chief was military government.
Graciano Lopez-Jaena b. Suyuan sa Tubigan by Macario
b. Political Novels - Noli Me Tangere Pineda
and El Filibusterismo – Jose Rizal’s c. Lupang Tinubuan by Narciso Reyes
masterpieces that paved the way to d. Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa by Liwayway
the revolution. Arceo

2. Revolutionary Literature – more Period of Maturity and Originality

propagandistic than literary as it is more (1945-1960)
violent in nature and demanded complete 1. Bountiful harvest in poetry,
independence for the country fiction, drama, and essay
a. Political Essays – helped inflame the 2. Filipino writers mastered
spirit of revolution English and familiarized
Kalayaan – newspaper of the themselves with diverse
society, edited by Emilio Jacinto techniques
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 3. Literary “giants” appeared 2. Martial Law repressed and curtailed
A. Palanca Awards for Literature human rights, including freedom of the
B. National Artist Awards press, and Filipino writers wrote about
these dark days in their writings.
3. Writers used symbolisms and allegories
VI. THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1945 – to drive home their message, at the face
1970) of heavy censorship. Theater was used
1. Characteristics as a vehicle for protest.
• Americans came back to the 4. The period of the New Society lasted
Philippines in 1945, and from 1972-1980, and this period had
there was a lot of palpable writings about the theme of
rejoicing among Filipinos. development and progress of the
• Filipinos regained their country.
freedom on July 4, 1946. 5. Though Martial Law was lifted on
January 2, 1981, the oppression and
State of Literature During This Period suppression being done by the Marcos
“The early post-liberation period was government continued, and rebellion
marked by a kind of ‘struggle of mind and was seething among Filipinos. History
spirit’ posed by the sudden emancipation would turn a sudden twist when Ninoy
from the enemy and the wild desire to see Aquino, one of Pres. Marcos’ critics,
print. Filipinos had, by this time, learned were assassinated on August 21, 1983.
to express themselves more confidently, 6. Cory Aquino, Ninoy’s widow, was
but post-war problems beyond language elected in February 1986 through a
and printlike economic stability, the peaceful revolution, and People Power
threat of new ideas, and mortality had to brought feelings of euphoria among the
be grappled with side by side.” (Kahayon Filipino people.
and Zulueta) 7. When before, the press was suppressed
and censored, the restoration of
The Palanca Memorial Awards for democracy during the time of Pres. Cory
Literature (headed by Carlos Palanca, Sr.) Aquino brought back not only press
was launched in 1950 and served as freedom, but also freedom for the
inspiration to Filipino writers. Till now, Filipino people to speak up and express
The Palanca Awards are still being given themselves.
although Mr. Palanca had already died.
FINEST WRITERS/AUTHORS FROM
VII. DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY
CONTEMPORARY/MODERN
PERIOD (1970 – PRESENT) Kristian Sendon Cordero (April 1983)
➢ His books of poetry in three languages have
A. Characteristics won the Madrigal-Gonzales, Best First
1. The seeds of activism resulted in the Book Award, the Philippine National
declaration of Martial Law by Pres. Awards and the Gintong Aklat Awards
Ferdinand Marcos in 1972. The youth (Golden Book Awards). In 2017, he
became completely rebellious during represented the Philippines in the
this period. This was proven not only in International Writing Program at the
the bloody demonstrations and in the University of Iowa. As a translator, he has
sidewalk expressions, but also in translated the works of Rainer Maria Rilke,
literature. Campus newspapers showed Jorge Luis Borges, Franz Kafka, and Oscar
rebellious emotions. (Kahayon and Wilde into Bikol and Filipino.
Zulueta)
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ABDON M. BALDE, JR. (Sept 12, 1946) CIRILO F. BAUTISTA (1941-2018) National
➢ He was born in Busac, Oas, Albay, and a Capital Region
contemporary Bicolano writer in Bikol, ➢ A poet, fictionist and essayist with
Filipino and English. He was awarded as one exceptional achievements and significant
of the Outstanding Bikolano Artists for contributions to the development of the
2009 in Literary Arts category in Naga country’s literary arts. As a way of bringing
City, In 2012, he was named Poet laureate poetry and fiction closer to the people who
of Albay. otherwise would not have the opportunity to
➢ Today, he is a councillor of the organization develop their creative talent, Bautista has
Lupon Sa Wika, a member of the been holding regular funded and unfunded
National Commission for Culture and the workshops throughout the country. Summer
Arts (NCCA) and director of the Unyon ng Suns (1963), The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus
mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL; (2001), Pedagogic (2008), Third World
English: Writers’ Union of the Philippines) Geography (2005).

MERLINDA BOBIS (November 25, 1959)

➢ Award-winning writer Merlinda Bobis grew 21ST BICOLANO AUTHORS AND THEIR
up in Albay, Philippines at the foot of an FAMOUS MASTERPIECES
active volcano, which figures prominently in
her writing and performance. As a child her
main interest was painting, but at age ten she
began writing poetry because ‘painting Francisco Penones Jr.
with words’ was cheaper. She has published ➢ Sounded a clarion call in his poem An Opon
novels, short stories, dramas and poems.
Sabalbon Kan Mahale an Maskara (The
Works: Fish-Hair Woman, Coffee Grove,
Board in Ibalon When Unmasked).
Banana Heart Summer, Dwell, The
Kissing Society, he declared, is the boar that brought
hunger and poverty to the land. He received a
CCP award.
GIL L. GREGORIO (June 24, 1961)
➢ Born in Naga, Camarines Sur. He has been
into poetry writing since 1983 while serving Merlinda C. Bobis
as one of the staff of the Nueva Caceres
Bulletin, the official publication of the ➢ Wrote a masterly poetic drama titled
University of Nueva Caceres. Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Maiden)
➢ He is a regular contributor to the Bicol overturns the passive maiden in the legend
literature publication, An Tambobong and makes her decisive to do her part in
nin Literaturang Bikolnon, where several of changing society. In her poems, Bobis subtly
his poems in Bicol dialect were published. presents an idealism associated with
Notable work: A View From Afar remembering one's childhood, each of them
a strong and evocative portrait only
FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE or F.Sionil Jose thoughtful, sensitive poet can create. For this,
➢ From Rosales, Pangasinan (1924-Present) she merited a Palanca awarad.
Region 1, Ilocos Region. His writings since
1960s when taken collectively can be
described as epic. His works reflect the
consistent espousal of the aspirations of Carlos O. Aureus
Filipinos: National Sovereignty and Social ➢ Weaves together theology and philosophy
Justice and were translated into various to present Bikol values and a panaroma of
languages. Rosales Saga, The Pretenders, Bikol scense. In ten well-written stories, a
The Molave and the Orchid (2004)
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 novel and a play, he wins the covered • Basically, a majority of writers will write on
Palanca, CCP, Free Press and Graphic their past history or what happened to them in
literary awards. common. Events in a society are highly
associated with the culture of that place.
• By writing on these traditions they help grow
Emelina G. Regis those literary traditions both locally and
regionally. They also remind people of those
➢ Won a Palanca Award for her environmental cultures that were long forgotten.
play Dalawang Mukha ng Kagubtan (Two • Local writers may also help to explain events
Faces of the Forest) in details. People locally or regionally
depending on the popularity of the writers is
in a position or understand the literary
Barbara Barquez Ricafrente traditions.
• Writers are able to spread their literary
➢ Writes poem and paints with rage. She is traditions in a variety of ways. One way is
the first novel awardee of the UP Creative through poems and songs.
Writing Center. • Writers are valuable in the development and
growth of traditions.

Maria Lilia F. Realubit

Significance of Authors in the Development of
➢ Recipient of the national award “Alagad ni Regional Literature
Balagtas” by the Unyong ng Mga Manunulat
sa Pilipinas and is a National Book Awardee ➢ Local authors play an important role not only
(1987) for her book “Philippine Drama: in the development of regional literature but
also our national literature. They have
Twelve Plays in Six Regional Languages”.
enriched the Filipino culture, preserved
Se wrote the first book on Bikol history
the heritage of our literary arts and helped
and literature: “Bikols of the Philippines.” in introducing and exploring our
humanity as Filipinos.

Jaime Jesus Borlagdan

➢ He wrote Maynila: Libro ng Pobya, which What is Literature?
is now considered by his young followers as ➢ derived from the Latin word "littera" which
an important and influential collection. means "a letter of the alphabet".
➢ defined as body of written works associated
to imaginative and creative works of
Estelito “Esting” Baylon Jacob poetry and prose and can be classified
according to variety of systems such as
➢ He wrote the collection of poetry in Bikol language, national origin, historical period,
entitled Mga Nirukitdukit. genre and subject matter (Britannica).
➢ Can be in oral or written form.
Local authors contribute to the development of
regional literary traditions in various ways. Some Literary Text
of these are the following: ➢ products of written literature
• Local writers are directly influence literary ➢ A text can be considered literary if it has the
traditions. elements of psychological characterization
• Writers are directly and indirectly reply to and chronology. Also, literature uses literary
writings of others on literary traditions. devices such as metaphor and symbolism
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 ➢ It narrates a story. are crime, fantasy, romance, science
➢ Expresses feelings, thoughts, and ideas fiction, western, inspirational, historical
which can either be based from the fiction and horror.
imagination or real life experiences of the b. Non-fiction - stories inspired by real events
author or other people. where the writers aim to present,
➢ Delivers significant information and crosses interpret, or describe experiences based on
boundaries of time, places, cultures, and facts. The judgments, opinions, and
languages. commentaries of the writers may be
presented in the form of essays, journals,
diaries, feature articles, editorials, and the
Literary structure like.

➢ refers to the organizational method used in

literature in which the most common type SOME EXAMPLES OF MAJOR FORMS OF
is the narrative LITERATURE
➢ Parts of the narrative structure (or plot) are
the exposition, rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution (denouement).

TWO MAJOR FORMS OF LITERATURE

1. Poetry - usually written in lines and is

characterized by having the element of rhythm, Genre
sound, imagery, and form. Its main purpose is to
express feelings, thoughts, and ideas
➢ forms of literature. The general ones are oral
a. Narrative Poetry - tells a story and has the and written. The main types are prose and
elements of a narrative such as characters, poetry.
setting, conflict, etc. ➢ “may be determined by literary technique,
b. Dramatic Poetry - emotionally appealing tone, content, or even (as in the case of
drama written in verse that tells a story and is fiction) length.”
intended to be recited or sung in front of the
audience by a character speaking in poetry.
c. Lyric Poetry - most common type of poetry Literary elements
that focuses on expressing feelings rather ➢ particular identifiable characteristics of a
than telling a story. whole text. They are not “used,” per se, by
authors; they represent the elements of
storytelling which are common to all
2. Prose - applies a natural flow of speech and literary and narrative forms.
grammatical structures which are mainly ➢ Common elements of a story are: setting,
consisting of complete sentences arranged character, conflict, theme, point of view,
logically and sequentially in a paragraph form. and plot. Plot has its own elements such as
exposition, rising action, climax, falling
a. Fiction - serves as a product of the writer's actions, and resolution or denouement.
wild imagination and creative thinking ➢ In poetry there are four essential elements:
where the characters react to the conflict form, imagery, rhythm, and sound.
and various issues central to the main idea
of a literary work. Its three types are: short
story, novel, and novella. The main genres

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Traditions especially on intended to be acted on a stage:
a play. It may be any situation or series of
➢ refers to the specific traits of literary works events having vivid, emotional, conflicting
that define a generation or period in or striking interest.
history.
➢ a collection of works that have an
underlying interconnectedness and
coherence that makes them more than simply Fiction
a group of works sharing geography or group. ➢ literature created from the imagination, not
presented as fact, though it may be based
on a true story or situation. Types of
Internal Conflict literature include the novel, short story and
novella.
➢ when a character struggles with their own
opposing desires or beliefs. It happens
within them, and it drives their development
as a character. Non-Fiction
➢ based on facts and the author’s opinion
External Conflict about a subject. The purpose of non-fiction
writing is to inform and sometimes to
➢ sets a character against something or examples are biographies, articles from
someone beyond their control. External textbooks and newspapers.
forces stand in the way of a character’s
motivations and create tension as the
character tries to reach their goals. 21st CENTURY LITERATURE GENRES

Types of Literary Conflict

Illustrated Novel
➢ man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. self,
man vs. supernatural, man vs. technology, ➢ a story or narrative told through words
and man vs. society complemented by illustrated images. In
most illustrated fiction, 50% of the
narrative is presented without words while
some may not contain any text at all, so the
Let’s recall all the majority literary genres! reader must interpret the images to
Poetry comprehend the story completely.
➢ Example: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
➢ imaginative awareness of experience by Brian Selznick & The Arrival by Shaun
expressed through meaning, sound and Tan.
rhythmic language choices to evoke an
emotional response. It has been known to
employ meter and rhyme. The very nature of Digi-Fiction
poetry as an authentic and individual mode of
expression makes it nearly impossible to ➢ also called Triple Media Literature. It uses
define. the combination of three media: book,
movie/video, and internet website to tell a
narrative, so readers must engage in
Drama navigating, reading, and viewing in all three
forms to comprehend the full story.
➢ a composition in prose or verse presenting ➢ Example: Skeleton Creek by Patrick
in dialogue or pantomime a story involving Carman and Level 26 Anthony Zuiker.
conflict more contrast of character,
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Graphic Novel Chick Lit or Chick Literature
➢ narratives told in comic-strip formats and ➢ often humorous and lighthearted fiction
published as a book. To differentiate from which addresses issues of modern
illustrated fiction, graphic novels tell a story womanhood. Stories may include romantic
using a combination of words and pictures relationships, friendships, and issues in the
in a sequence across the page. The term is workplace. It generally targets young
employed in a broad manner, encompassing women readers.
non-fiction works and thematically linked ➢ The night before Christmas, It started
short stories as well as fictional stories across with a Kiss
several genres.
➢ Example: Achie Comics, The Death of
Captain Marvel Flash Fiction
➢ story narrated in an extremely brief way,
Manga but still offers plot and character
development and implies a larger story. It
➢ Japanese word for comics. It is used in the could range from a word to a thousand.
English-speaking world as a generic term Varieties of flash fiction identified by word
for all comic books and graphic novels count include six-word stories (6 words),
originally published in Japan. Manga-style dribble or minisaga (50 words), 280-
comics created by American artists are character story or twitterrature (280 words or
sometimes called Ameri manga. a story in one tweet) drabble or microfiction
➢ Example: Shonen-Boy’s Manga, Shojo- (100 words), sudden fiction (750 words) and
Girls’ Manga flash fiction (1,000 words).
➢ Example: For sale: baby socks, never worn

Doodle Fiction
Creative Nonfiction
➢ literary presentation where the author
incorporates doodle writing, drawings, ➢ also known as literary nonfiction or
and handwritten graphics in place of the narrative nonfiction. It is a genre of writing
traditional font. Doodles are simple that uses literary styles and techniques to
drawings or random shapes and lines that create factually accurate narratives. In
may or may not have concrete contrast with other nonfiction, such as
representational meanings. These enhance technical writing or journalism, which is also
the story, often adding humorous elements. rooted in accurate fact, it is not primarily
➢ Example: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and written in service to its craft.
Timmy Failure ➢ Example: 1000 Gifts

Text-Talk Novels Science Fiction

➢ stories told almost entirely in dialogue ➢ genre of speculative fiction dealing with
simulating social network exchanges. imaginative concepts such as futuristic
Narratives are usually presented in blog, science and technology, space travel, time
email, and IM (instant messaging) format. travel, faster than light travel, a parallel
➢ Example: Vince and Kath universe and extraterrestrial life.
➢ often explores the potential consequences of
scientific and other innovations and has been
called a “literature of ideas”.
➢ Example: Kingdom of Ash and Mockingjay
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Blog Songs
➢ a website containing short articles called
posts that are updated regularly. Some ➢ Great variety, expressive of a gamut of
blogs are written by one person containing human experiences and feelings. They are
his or her own opinions, interests and used at almost every occasion at work, at
experiences, while others are written by worship, and at play accompanied with
different people. musical instrument, mostly of the percussive
➢ Break My Style by Kryz Uy and stringed varieties.

What is Literary Genre?

➢ A category of literary composition.

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD LITERARY ➢ Genres may be determined by literary
GENRES technique, tone, content, or even (as in the
case of fiction) length.
➢ Defined by the general cultural movement of
Epics the historical period in which they were
composed.
➢ These are narratives of sustained length ➢ It shouldn’t be confused with age categories,
based on oral tradition, revolving around by which literature may be classified as either
supernatural events or heroic deeds, in the adult, young adult, or children. They also
form of verse which is either chanted or sung must not be confused with format, such as
with a certain seriousness of purpose, and graphic novel or picture book.
embodying or validating the beliefs, customs,
ideals, or life values of the people.

Folk Narratives
BIOGRAPHICAL, LINGUISTIC, AND
SOCIOCULTURAL CONTEXTS
➢ Created to explain why certain things
existed in their physical environment. Thse
come in the form of origin myths, legends, Biographical context
fables, tales of the supernatural, and ➢ requires the readers to analyze the life and
humorous accounts about some trickster. experience of the author to understand the
literary text. It is essential for readers to
Proverbs understand the author’s background.
Understanding the author’s life can help you
➢ These are terse statements of practical understand his or her work thoroughly. This
wisdom based on long experience and can happen by reading the author’s biography
observations about life. or autobiography.

Riddles
Here are some guide questions that you may
answer when you are reading literature through
➢ These attest to the wit and ingenuity and the sociocultural context:
the richness of the imagination of ancient
Filipinos. • What is the relationship between the
characters or speaker in the text and their
society?

M. Barbosa
 • How does this story reflect the nation? What
does this say about the country and its
inhabitants?

Sociocultural context

➢ requires the reader to analyze the social,

economic, political, and cultural
standpoint of the literary text. It is also
important to note the year or period a
literary text was written for readers to be
able to identify the historical or significant
events that took place in that year which add
to the readers’ understanding of the text.
➢ In reading using sociocultural context, you
will examine the factors that affect the
writing of the literary text and how the
work was received by the readers during
the time it was written.

Here are some guide questions that you may

answer when you are reading literature through
the sociocultural context:
• What is the relationship between the characters
or speakers in the text and their society?
• How does this story reflect the nation? What does
this say about the country and its inhabitants?

Linguistic context
➢ requires the readers to analyze the language,
form and structure of the text. Reading
through a linguistic context focuses on the
language used in the literary work and
how it is used to convey meaning.

The following are some strategies you may use to

read a text through the linguistic context:

• Analyze the diction or choice of words in the

text.
• Examine the text use of sentences, clause,
phrases, line cuts, etc.
• Observe the use of figurative language.
• Analyze the mood and tone of the text.
• Observe the text’s overall structure.
• Analyze the content of the text.

M. Barbosa
M. Barbosa