CHAPTER 1

LESSON 1: LITERARY PERIODS OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Intended Learning Outcomes

A. Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history
from pre-colonial to the contemporary period.
B. Explore thoughts on how the different literary periods affect the manner of writing of the
literary authors.
C. Open the minds of the people about the Philippine culture by means of studying
literature.

WHAT IS LITERARY PERIOD?

Literary periods are spans of time for literature that shares intellectual, linguistic, religious, and
artistic influences.
The different literary periods in Philippine literature include the pre-colonial period, the Spanish
colonial era, the American colonial era and the contemporary period. Literature in the
Philippines evolved as part of the country's changing history.
Literature gives people insights into their personal behavior and positive experiences
beyond the personal environment. Philippine Literature is rich in different works which is
continuously evolving in different periods. It started with folklores, fables, songs passed
through different generations in both oral and written tradition. However, colonization
made an influence in the development of the literary writings of the Filipinos.
The first Philippine literary period was the pre-colonial era. During this time, folk songs, epics,
narratives and sung narratives were popular. Many of the folk songs featured simple rhythms,
while narrative songs were used to tell historical stories. Philippine epics from the pre-colonial
era told mythological stories, and often reflected on community ethics.