1. Introduction
The history of Philippine literature is a long and complex one, spanning many centuries and encompassing a wide range of literary genres. From ancient pre-colonial works to modern novels and poetry, Philippine literature has been shaped by the country’s unique history and culture. This paper will explore the major eras and genres of Philippine literature, from pre-colonial to modern, and provide an overview of the development of the country’s literary tradition.
Pre-colonial literature was largely oral, with stories and epics passed down through generations. Spanish colonial literature was heavily influenced by the Spanish language and culture, while American colonial literature was more focused on the English language. Finally, Philippine literature in English emerged in the 20th century, with writers like Nick Joaquin, Francisco Arcellana, and Edith Tiempo leading the way.
Each era of Philippine literature has its own unique style and themes, reflecting the country’s history and culture. The works of each period also reflect the influence of other cultures, such as Spanish, American, and Chinese. By examining the different eras of Philippine literature, we can gain a better understanding of the country’s history and culture, as well as its literary tradition.
2. Pre-Colonial Literature
Pre-colonial literature in the Philippines is a rich and diverse collection of oral and written works that date back to the ancient times. The oral literature of the pre-colonial period is composed of epics, legends, proverbs, riddles, songs, and other forms of verbal art that were passed down through generations by word of mouth. These works were often performed during special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and religious rituals. The oral literature of the pre-colonial period was used to educate, entertain, and pass down the values and traditions of the Filipino people.
The written literature of the pre-colonial period is composed of various manuscripts, such as the Doctrina Christiana and the Laguna Copperplate Inscription. These manuscripts were written in various languages such as Tagalog, Visayan, Ilocano, and other native languages. The Doctrina Christiana is the oldest book written in the Philippines and is composed of religious texts and teachings. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription is a legal document written in the Kawi script and is believed to have been written in the year 900 AD.
The pre-colonial literature of the Philippines is an important part of the nation’s cultural heritage. It is an invaluable source of information about the history, culture, and beliefs of the Filipino people before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Pre-colonial literature is an important part of the Filipino identity and is still an integral part of Filipino culture today.
3. Spanish Colonial Literature
Spanish colonial literature is a genre of literature that emerged during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. It is a mixture of Spanish and Filipino cultures, and is characterized by its use of the Spanish language, as well as its focus on Filipino culture and identity.
The earliest works of Spanish colonial literature were written by Spanish missionaries and administrators, who sought to convert the local population to Christianity and spread Spanish culture. These works included religious tracts, histories, and chronicles of the Spanish colonial period. One of the most famous of these works is the “Relacion de las Islas Filipinas” (Account of the Philippine Islands), written by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565. This work is considered to be the first comprehensive account of the Philippines, and is an important source of information about the island nation during this period.
The Spanish colonial period also saw the emergence of a distinct Filipino literary tradition, which was heavily influenced by Spanish culture. The most famous of these works is the “Florante at Laura” (Florante and Laura), written by Francisco Baltazar in 1838. This epic poem is considered to be the first Filipino novel, and is a classic of Filipino literature. Other works of Filipino literature written during this period include the “Ibong Adarna” (Adarna Bird) by Jose de la Cruz, and the “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) by Jose Rizal.
The Spanish colonial period was an important period in the development of Filipino literature, as it saw the emergence of a distinct Filipino literary tradition. The works of this period provide an important source of information about the Philippines during this period, and are an important part of the Filipino literary canon.
4. American Colonial Literature
American colonial literature is a body of literature produced in the United States during the period of colonization, from the early 1600s to the late 1800s. During this time, American literature was heavily influenced by British culture and literature, as well as the culture of the Native Americans.
American colonial literature was heavily influenced by Puritanism, which was a religious movement in the 1600s that emphasized the importance of individual morality and piety. This influence can be seen in the works of writers such as William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, and Jonathan Edwards. Bradford’s work, Of Plymouth Plantation, is an account of the early years of the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts. Bradstreet’s poetry often focused on religious themes, while Edwards’ sermons focused on the importance of individual morality.
American colonial literature also had a strong influence from Native American culture. Writers such as Mary Rowlandson and Benjamin Franklin wrote about their experiences with Native Americans. Rowlandson’s A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson is an account of her experiences as a captive of the Wampanoag tribe during King Philip’s War. Franklin’s Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an account of his life, including his interactions with Native Americans.
The American Revolution had a significant impact on American colonial literature. Writers such as Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin wrote works that were influential in the fight for independence. Paine’s Common Sense was a pamphlet that argued for the necessity of American independence. Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence outlined the grievances of the colonies against the British government. Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack was a popular collection of essays and proverbs that often contained political commentary.
American colonial literature also reflected the changing social and political landscape of the time. Writers such as Phillis Wheatley, Phillis Wheatley, and Olaudah Equiano wrote works that addressed the issue of slavery. Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was the first published book of poetry by an African-American woman. Equiano’s Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano was an autobiography that addressed the horrors of the slave trade.
American colonial literature was a reflection of the culture and society of the time, as well as a reflection of the struggles and triumphs of the people living in the colonies. It was heavily influenced by British culture, Native American culture, and the events of the American Revolution. Through the works of writers such as William Bradford, Phillis Wheatley, and Benjamin Franklin, American colonial literature has had a lasting impact on American literature and culture.
5. Philippine Literature in English
The Philippine literary tradition in English began during the American colonial period. This period saw the emergence of a new generation of Filipino writers who wrote in the English language. These writers were influenced by the American culture and literature, and their works reflect the changing social and political landscape of the Philippines.
The first Filipino writers to write in English were Jose Rizal and other members of the Propaganda Movement. They wrote essays, novels, and poetry that depicted the struggle of the Filipino people against Spanish colonial rule. Their works were often critical of the Spanish colonial government and highlighted the plight of the Filipino people.
The American colonial period also saw the emergence of a new generation of Filipino writers who wrote in English. These writers were heavily influenced by American culture and literature, and their works often reflected the changing social and political landscape of the Philippines. Among the most notable Filipino writers during this period were Carlos Bulosan, Nick Joaquin, and Paz Marquez Benitez.
Bulosan’s works, such as America is in the Heart, depicted the struggles of Filipino immigrants in the United States. Joaquin’s works, such as The Woman Who Had Two Navels and The Summer Solstice, explored the Filipino identity and culture. Marquez Benitez’s short story “Dead Stars” was a pioneering work of modern Philippine literature.
The post-war period saw the emergence of a new generation of Filipino writers who wrote in English. These writers, such as Edith Tiempo, Bienvenido Lumbera, and NVM Gonzalez, explored the themes of identity, history, and culture in their works. Their works often focused on the experiences of the Filipino people during the war and the transition to the post-war period.
The contemporary period has seen the emergence of a new generation of Filipino writers who write in English. These writers, such as Jessica Hagedorn, Junot Diaz, and Miguel Syjuco, have explored the themes of identity, history, and culture in their works. They have also explored the themes of globalization, technology, and migration in their works.
The Philippine literary tradition in English has evolved over the years. From the works of the Propaganda Movement to the works of contemporary writers, Filipino writers have used the English language to explore the themes of identity, history, and culture. They have also used their works to highlight the struggles of the Filipino people against colonialism and to explore the themes of globalization, technology, and migration.
6. Conclusion
The history of Philippine literature is long and varied. From pre-colonial stories, to Spanish colonial works, to American colonial pieces, and finally to Philippine literature in English, the literature of the Philippines has evolved over the centuries to reflect the culture and history of the nation.
The pre-colonial literature of the Philippines was largely oral, and reflected the culture and beliefs of the people. Spanish colonial literature was heavily influenced by the culture and language of Spain, and was often written in Spanish. American colonial literature was heavily influenced by the culture and language of the United States, and was often written in English. Finally, Philippine literature in English has become a major part of the country’s literary landscape, and is often used to reflect the unique culture and history of the Philippines.
The history of Philippine literature is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Filipino people. Despite the many changes and influences that have shaped the literature of the Philippines, the country’s literature continues to evolve and reflect the culture and history of the nation. The literature of the Philippines is an important part of the nation’s culture and history, and will continue to be a powerful force in the years to come.