Contempo Flashcards
This is marked by a strong nationalistic fervor, a dynamic spirit
to uphold and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, and a heightened interest in
economic and socio-cultural issues.
From 1946 to 1985.
Obviously the most dynamic stage in the development of Philippine literature, this period has thus far produced a fresh crop of works in poetry, short story, the critical essay, and the stage play unknown in depth and brilliance in the history of the country’s literary development.
From the EDSA Revolution to the Present.
This is a new style of poetry writing in Tagalog, a deviation from the highly rimed, declamatory tradition known for many centuries.
▪ the Anglo-American inspired poetry of Jose Garcia Villa
▪ the Tagalog verse of Jose Lacaba written in terse but ironic patterns.
▪ the Poet employs rimes although he tends to engage the reader in
conversation.
▪ the modern Tagalog verse of Rogelio Mangahas
▪ the free verse, also in Tagalog, of Alejandro Abadilla
Modern Poetry
These are stories set in the Philippines in the English language
Modern Short Story
Characteristics of Contemporary Literature
Major Media of Literature: English and Filipino remain the primary languages for literature.
Stimulus for Local Languages: Strong encouragement for reading and writing in Filipino and local languages, driven by government actions such as the inclusion of local literatures in higher education and the Multi-Language Education (MLE) policy in basic education.
Literature as a Medium for Discussion: Literature serves as a platform for socio-political, economic, religious discussions and personal expression.
Prominent Literary Themes:
Existentialism and the search for identity.
Deception and violence by those in power.
Poverty in rural and urban areas.
Nationalism and tenant-landlord relationships.
Human rights violations and the search for the desaparecidos.
Filipino diaspora, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and migrant experiences.
Critical Theories:
New Criticism: Focus on studying the literary text as a self-contained artistic object without external influences like the writer’s intention, historical background, or reader’s response.
New Criticism shifted literature away from classical traditions, focusing on craftsmanship and effectiveness.
Literary Traditions:
Anglo-American Tradition: Acceptance of free verse and blank verse among writers.
Euro-Hispanic and Revolutionary Literature: Blended to create a distinct Filipino tradition.
1960s-1970s: Resurgence of cause-oriented literature, with toned-down militancy continuing into the present.
Post-EDSA Literature: Shift from elitist art to more accessible forms, with mundane subject matter.
Regional Literature Development: Stronger emphasis on regional literary masterpieces in college curriculums.
Writers’ Craft: Filipino writers becoming more conscious of their craft through regular writing workshops.
Emerging Issues: Growing focus on gender and environmental issues in literature.
