LITERATURE IN THE EARLY (1900-1930)

ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE

-Introduced in the Philippines schools by the Thomasite teachers who replaced the American soldier-
teachers.

-The works of Chaucer, Milton,Shakespeare, Emerson, poe, Longfellow, Shelley, Joyce, Tennyson, and
other famous writers became the models of the early Filipino writers.

DRAMA and NOVEL

-Were hardly written because vernacular plays and zarzuela became the popular theatrical arts
among the Filipinos

-The tone of plays , however ,were more emotional than intellectual .

-Short stories dealt with romantic tales of legendary figures .

-“DEAD STARS” of Paz M. Benitez was one of the most-loved short stories at the time .

Jorge Bocobo ,Amador Daguio , Pilar H. Lim , Jose Panganiban and Jose Garcia Villa had also written
short stories . Includes literature books for children.

During the early period of literature in the Philippines , poetry consisted of sentimental lines while essay
became a free form of composition that projected customs and traditions.

-The poems of Luis Dato , Virgilio Floresca Abelardo Subido and Francisco Tonogbanua dominated the
early period of the Philippines literature.Likewise, Francisco Benitez, Jorge Bacobo ,Camilo Osias ,Claro
M. Recto and Carlos p. Romulo became famous for the essay .

LITERATURE IN THE MIDDLE PERIOD (1930-1960)

-During this period , Philippines Literature in English had tremendously improved particularly ,in
essay, short story and poetry.

-It was easily improved during Japanese occupation .

-After 1945, the essay turned to nationalism and politics as its theme.

-During the period the short story showed the most rapid improvement in terms of quality and depth .
Among the significant short story writer during this period were Nick Joaquin , Estrella Alfon, Kerima
Polotan , Edilberto Tiempo and Loreto Paras .
-Poetry remained romantic .Among the well known poets of the time were Trinidad Subido,Jose del
Castillo Amador Daguio, NVM Gonzales, Abelardo Subido and Jose Garcia Villa ,whose series of erotic
poems “Man’s songs”became controversial.

LITERATURE IN THE MODERM PERIOD (1961 to present)

-reffered as the contemporary period , is characterized by a growing sense of nationalism and a deeper
search for identity (abuan, 2000),Literary works of this time were aimed for socio –political reforms
due to the country ‘s emerging political and social problems and issues .

-Some of the essayists (Mention the name )and short story writers (mention the name ) depicted
national concerns and urban life in their works.

-Among the poets who were active in this period were (write the name )

-Drama did not flourish well compared to other literay genres.It only had its substantial significance
when theater groups organized themselves and performed before the general public. Thereafter , the
teaching of drama in colleges and universities followed. Some of well known playwrights of the
period were(write the name )