Phil Literature.

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1st: Good day, everyone.

I’m Angel Princess Selim, and today I’ll be


presenting an overview of Filipino Literature, focusing on some of the key
works and authors that have shaped our literary history.

2nd: We begin with two monumental works in Filipino literature: Florante


at Laura by Francisco Balagtas and Urbana at Felisa by Modesto de
Castro.

Florante at Laura is a Filipino epic written in the form of an awit (metrical


romance), composed by Francisco Balagtas. It is set in the fictional
kingdom of Albania and tells the story of the star-crossed lovers, Florante
and Laura. The work explores themes of love, betrayal, injustice, and
redemption while using allegory to comment on the sociopolitical issues
of Balagtas' time, particularly the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
Florante is a nobleman who faces numerous trials, including being
imprisoned and betrayed by his enemies. Despite the obstacles,
Florante’s loyalty to his beloved Laura and his country remains steadfast.
The story also tackles deeper issues such as the nature of leadership,
patriotism, and moral righteousness.

Urbana at Felisa is a book written in the form of letters between two


sisters, Urbana and Felisa, written by Modesto de Castro in the 19th
century. The book is a didactic work that imparts lessons about proper
behavior, morality, and etiquette during the Spanish colonial period in the
Philippines. Urbana, who lives in the city, writes to her sister Felisa, who
resides in the countryside, discussing the importance of virtues such as
humility, patience, and respect for others. The book served as a guide for
moral conduct and proper behavior for Filipinos during the time and was
highly influential in shaping societal norms. It is regarded as one of the
earliest forms of Filipino self-help literature.

These literary masterpieces not only influenced Filipino society during


their time but also served as inspirations for future generations of
Tagalog writers. Their influence can still be felt in the themes and styles
present in today’s literature.
3rd: Julian Cruz Balmaceda, one of the significant figures in Filipino
literature, classified Tagalog poets into three categories:

First, we have the Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso), who explores
themes of love and emotion.
Next, the Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay) who write about everyday
experiences, struggles, and the realities of life.
Finally, we have the Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan), who
focus on performance, drama, and the art of storytelling on stage.

This classification highlights the diversity of voices in Filipino poetry.

4th: In the realm of short stories, several notable writers emerged during
the early 20th century. In the columns Pangsandaliang Libangan and
Dagli, we find names like Lope K. Santos, Patricio Mariano, and Rosauro
Almario. Additionally, writers such as Deogracias Rosario, Teodoro Gener,
and Cirio H. Panganiban were regularly published in Liwayway magazine.

When it comes to novels and biographies, we look to writers like Valeriano


Hernandez Peña, Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado, and Faustino Aguilar.
These authors contributed significantly to the growth of Filipino fiction
and literary expression.

5th One of the most influential figures in Filipino literature is Lope K.


Santos, known as the Father of the National Language Grammar. As a
novelist, poet, and grammarian, he spanned three major periods of
Tagalog literature: the American, Japanese, and contemporary periods. If
Manuel L. Quezon is remembered as the Father of the National Language,
Lope K. Santos is remembered for shaping and refining the grammar of
that language.

His most famous work, Banaag at Sikat, stands as a cornerstone in


Filipino literature, blending social consciousness with literary artistry.

Banaag at Sikat (translated as "From Early Dawn to Full Light") is one of


the first social novels in Filipino literature, written by Lope K. Santos. It is
a groundbreaking work that delves into social issues, particularly the
struggle of the working class and the conflict between laborers and
capitalists. The novel portrays the lives of Delfin and Felipe, two friends
with contrasting views on how to achieve social justice. Delfin advocates
for peaceful reform and socialism, while Felipe leans towards more
radical solutions. Through their conversations and experiences, the novel
explores themes such as socialism, workers’ rights, and the unequal
distribution of wealth. Banaag at Sikat is a reflection of the political and
economic issues during the early 20th century in the Philippines and is
considered a precursor to Filipino literature advocating for social reform.

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