21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

Introduction to Philippine Literature

What is Literature?
Litera Latin word which literally means an acquaintance with letters
Webster defines literature as anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the ideas and feelings of people,
whether it is true, or just a product of ones imagination
It is a body of work, either written, oral, or visual, containing imaginative language that realistically portrays
thought, emotions, and experiences of the human condition.
is a product of particular culture that concretizes mans array of values, emotions, actions and ideas. It is therefore
a creation of human experiences that tells about people and their world.
is a product of particular culture that concretizes mans array of values, emotions, actions and ideas. It is therefore
a creation of human experiences that tells about people and their world.
Literature raises life to a new level of meaning and understanding, and in the process restores sanity and justice
in an insane and unjust world. Cirilo F. Bautista
Importance of Literature
Studying literature is like looking at the mirror of life where mans experiences, his innermost feelings and
thoughts are reflected.
Through literature, we learn the culture of people across time and space.
We understand not only the past life of a nation but also its present.
Moreover, we become familiar not only with the culture of neighboring countries but also with that of others living
very far from us.
Literary Standards
1. Universality
3. Intellectual
4. Permanence
6. Spiritual Value
2. Artistry
5. Style
7. Suggestiveness
Value

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Literary Approaches
Formalistic or Literary Approach
The study of the selection is more or less based on the so-called literary elements.
Moral or Humanistic Approach
Literature is viewed to discuss man and its nature.
It presents man as essentially rational; that is, endowed with intellect and free will; or that the piece does not
misinterpret the true nature of man.
The approach is close to the morality of literature, to questions of ethical goodness or badness.
13. Historical Approach
Literature is seen both as a reflection and product of the times and circumstances in which it was written.
14. Sociological Approach Literature
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Viewed as the expression of man within a given social situation which is reduced to discussions on
economy which will underscore the conflict between the two classes- the rich and the poor.
16. Cultural Approach
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Literature is seen as one of the manifestations and vehicles of a nations or races culture and tradition. It
includes the entire compels of what goes under culture
18. Psychological Approach
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Literature is viewed as the expression of personality, of inner drives or neurosis. It includes the
psychology of the author, of the characters, and even the psychology of creation.
20. Impressionistic Approach
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Literature is viewed to elucidate reacting- response which is considered as something very personal,
relative and fruitful. Unconditioned by explanations and often taking the impact of the piece as a whole, it seeks to see
how the piece has communicated.
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23. Why do we need to study Philippine Literature?
To trace our rich heritage of ideas and handed down to us from our forefathers
For appreciation of our heritage.
To Understand that we have noble traditions which can serve as the means to assimilate other cultures.
24. Literature and History
1. The Bible or the Sacred Writings This has become the basis of Christianity originating from Palestine and
Greece.
2. Koran- The Muslim Bible originating from Arabia.
3. The Iliad and Odyssey These have been the source of myths and legends of Greece. They were written by
Homer.
4. The Mahabharata- The longest epic of the world. It contains the history of religion of India.
5. Canterbury Tales- It depicts the religion and customs of the English in the early days. This originated from
England and written by Chaucer.
6. Uncle Toms Cabin- by Harriet Beecher Stowe of the US. This depicted the sad fate of slaves; this became the
basis of democracy later on.
7. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. This shows the religion and customs of the
8. El Cid This shows the cultural characteristics of the Spaniards and their national history.
9. The Song of Roland This includes Doce Pares and Ronscesvalles of France. It tells about the Golden age of
Christianity in France.
10. The Book of the Dead This includes the cult of Osiris and the mythology and theology of Egypt.
11. One Thousand and One Nights or the Arabian Nights From Arabia and Persia (Iran) It shows the ways of
government, of industries and of the society of the Arabs
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