INTRODUCTION TO THE

STUDY OF PHILIPPINE
LITERATURE

CapitalCommunityCollege

DEFINITION OF LITERATURE
The word literature is derived from
the Latin term Litera which means
letter. It has been defined by various
writers.
Because literature deals with ideas,
thoughts and emotions of man,
literature can be said to be the story
of man. Mans loves, griefs, thoughts,
dreams, and aspirations coached in a

In order to know the history of a

nations spirit, one must read its
literature.
Brother Azurin defines Literature that
it expresses the feelings of people to
society, to the government, to his
surroundings, to his Fellowmen and
to his Divine Creator.
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.

In response to his everyday efforts to

live, to be happy in his environment
and, after struggles, to reach his
Creator.

LITERARY STANDARDS
Universality
Artistry
Intellectual Value
Suggestiveness
Spiritual Value
Permanence
Style

UNIVERSALITY
Great literature is timeless and
timely.
Forever relevant, it appeals to one
and all, anytime, anywhere, because
it deals with elemental feelings,
fundamental truths and universal
conditions.

Artistry

This is the quality that appeals to

our sense of beauty.

Intellectual Value

A literary works stimulates thought.

It enriches our mental life by making
us realize fundamental truths about
life and human nature.

Suggestiveness
This is the quality associated with the
emotional power of literature.
Great literature moves us deeply and
stirs our feeling and imagination,
giving and evoking visions above and
beyond the plane of ordinary life and
experience.

Spiritual Value
Literature elevates the spirit by
bringing out moral values which
makes a better persons.
The capacity to inspire is part of the
spiritual value of literature.

Permanence
A great work of literature
endures.
It can be read again and again as
each reading gives fresh delight
and new insights and opens a
new world of meaning and
experience.
Its appeal is lasting.

Style

This is the peculiar way in which

writers sees life, forms his ideas
and expresses them.

Why do we need to study

Philippine Literature?

We study Philippine Literature so that

we can better appreciate our literary
heritage.
Through the study of Philippine
Literature, we can trace our rich
heritage of ideas and handed down
to us from our forefathers.
Understand that we have a noble
traditions which can serve as the
means to assimilate other cultures.
Realize literary limitations
conditioned by certain historical
factors and we can take steps to

Literature and History

Literature and history are closely
interrelated. In discovering history of
a race, a country, we basically
understand their own culture and
traditions, hence the written customs
and traditions of a country, the
dreams and aspirations of its people
is called Literature.
History can also be written down and
this too, is literature.
History therefore is an integral part

Literature and history however also

have their differences. Literature
may not necessarily be based on true
events but history is.

Literary Compositions that

influenced the world
The Bible or the Sacred Writings
This has become the basis of
Christianity originating from Palestine
and Greece.
Koran- The Muslim Bible originating
from Arabia.
The Iliad and Odyssey These have
been the source of myths and
legends of Greece. They were written

The Mahabharata- The longest epic of

the world. It contains the history of
religion of India.
Canterbury Tales- It depicts the
religion and customs of the English in
the early days. This originated from
England and written by Chaucer.
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.
The Divine Comedy by Dante
Alighieri

El Cid Compeador This shows the

cultural characteristics of the
Spaniards and their national history.
The Song of Roland This includes
Doce Pares and Ronscesvalles of
France. It tells about the Golden age of
Christianity in France.
The Book of the Dead This includes
the cult of Osiris and the mythology
and theology of Egypt.
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

Genre of Literature

Types of Prose
Novel- This is a long narrative divided
into chapters.
Short Story It is a fictional narrative
in prose consisting of a series of
events designed to create a single
dominant effect. It is intended to be
read in one sitting
Plays- These are presented on a
stage, is divided into acts and each

Essay- is a prose composition with a

focused subject of discussion or a
long systematic discourse. The word
essay is taken from the French
infinitive essayer to try or to attempt
Biography This deals with the life of
a person.
Fairytale Is a type of narrative that
relates the lives and adventures of
supernatural spirit.

Folktale Is a narrative filled with the

superstition, anecdotes, proverbs,
legends, and customs of a particular
group, race or geographical region.
Myth is a traditional story of
unknown authorship, ostensively with
historical basis, but serving usually to
explain some phenomena of nature,
the origin of man and customs.
Myths usually involve the exploit of
gods and goddesses.
Parable- is a short single story,
usually of an occurrence of a familiar