Edited by: MA. CONCEPCION C.

BORJA
SHS TEACHER
 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

MELC 1: Writing a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts and doing an adaptation of
these require from the learner the ability to identify:
a.) the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the
contemporary
b.) Representative texts and authors from each region (e.g. engage in oral history research with focus
on key personalities for the students’ region/province/town)

Specific Objectives:
1) Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-
colonial to the contemporary
2) take to heart these aspects and develop a genuine love for Philippine literature

This module provides meaningful activities and discussions for you to be able to:
• identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial
to the contemporary; and
• take to heart these aspects and develop a genuine love for Philippine literature.

Geographic origin refers to the place where a piece of literature came from. For example, the classic
song Matud Nila came from the Visayas region.
The linguistic origin of a piece of literature is somewhat related to its geographic origin. For example,
if a poem is written using the Visayan dialect, most probably, it originated from the Visayas region.
Note: though that a particular region may have more than one dialect. Take as an example the Bikol
dialect which may be classified into Bikol Sorsogon, Bikol Albay, Bikol Camarines Sur, and other
dialects in the Bicol Region.
Different Periods of Philippine Literature
I. PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (BC to 1564)
A. Characteristics
1. Based on oral traditions
2. Crude on ideology and phraseology
B. Literary Forms
Oral Literature
a. Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits among participants
b. Proverbs (salawikain) – wise sayings that contain a metaphor used to teach as a food for thought
etc.
Example: Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.
 c. Tanaga - a mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain expressing insights and lessons on life, is "more
emotionally charged than the terse proverb, and thus, hasaffinities with the folk lyric."
d. Folk Songs It is a form of folk lyric which expresses the hopes and aspirations, the
people'slifestyles as well as their loves. These are often repetitive and sonorous,
didactic, and naive.
1. Hele or oyayi – lullaby
2. Ambahan (Mangyan) – 7-syllable per line poem that are about human relationships and social
entertainment
3. Kalusan (Ivatan) - work songs that depict the livelihood of the peopled.
4. Tagay (Cebuano and Waray) – drinking song.
5. Kanogan (Cebuano) – song of lamentation for the dead

Folk Tales
a. Myths – explain how the world was created, how certain animals possess certain
characteristics, why some places have waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains, flora, or fauna.
b. Legends – explain the origin of things; examples are Why the Pineapple Has Eyes and The
Legend of Maria Makiling.
c. Fables – use animal characters and allegory d. Fantasy stories – deal with underworld
characters such as “tiyanak,” “aswang,” “kapre,” and others.
e. Epics - these are “narratives of sustained length based on oral tradition revolving around
supernatural events or heroic deeds.” (Arsenio Manuel)
Examples of Epics: Lam-ang (Ilocano),Hinilawod (Panay),Kudaman (Palawan), and Darangen
(Maranao).
II. SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD (1565 – 1863)
A. Characteristics
1. It has two distinct classifications: religious and secular. It introduced Spanish as the medium of
communication.

B. Literary Forms
1. Religious Literature - Religious lyrics written by ladino poets or those versed in both Spanish and
Tagalog were included in early catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the Spanish language.

a. Pasyon – long narrative poem about the passion and death of Christ. The most popular was “Ang
Mahalna Passion ni Jesu Cristong Panignoon Natin” by Aguino de Belen
b. Senakulo – dramatization of the pasyon; it shows the passion and death of Christ
2. Secular (non-religious) Literature
a. Awit - colorful tales of chivalry made for singing and chanting
Example: Ibong Adarna
b. Korido – metrical tale written in octosyllabicquatrains (a line of verse with eight syllables)
Example: Florante at Laura by Francisco Baltazar
c. Prose Narratives – written to prescribe proper decorum
III. NATIONALISTIC / PROPAGANDA AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1864 – 1896)
A. Characteristics
a. Planted seeds of nationalism in Filipinos
b. Language shifted from Spanish to Tagalog
c.Addressed the masses instead of the “intelligentsia”
B. Literary Forms
1. Propaganda Literature - Reformatory in objective
a. Political Essays – satires, editorials, and news articles were written to attack and expose the evils of
Spanish rule
Diariong Tagalog – founded by Marcelo del Pilar
La Solidaridad – editor-in-chie f was Graciano Lopez-Jaena
b. Political Novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – Jose Rizal’s master pieces that paved the way to the
revolution
2. Revolutionary Literature – more propagandistic than literary as it is more violent in nature and
demanded complete independence for the country
a. Political Essays – helped inflame the spirit of revolution
Kalayaan – newspaper of the society, edited by Emilio Jacinto
b. Poetry
True Decalogue – Apolinario Mabini
Katapusan ng Hibik ng Pilipinas –Andres Bonifacio
Liwanag at Dilim – Emilio Jacinto

IV. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1910 – 1945)

A. Period of Apprenticeship (1910-1930)

1. Filipino writers imitated English and American models.
2. Poems written were amateurish and mushy, whose phrasing and diction was awkward and artificial.
a. Short Stories
1. Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez
2. The Key by Paz Latorena
3. Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa
b. Novels
1. Child of Sorrow – first novel in English by Zoilo Galang
B. Period of Emergence (1920-1930)
*Highly influenced by Western literary trends like Romanticism and Realism.
a. Short Stories – most prevalent literary form
*Jose Garcia Villa – earned the international title “Poet of the Century”

V. JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1942 - 1945) War Years (1942-1944)

1. Tagalog poets broke away from the Balagtas tradition and instead wrote in simple language and free
verse
2. Fiction prevailed over poetry
a. 25 Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino (1943) – compilation of the entries to the short story
contest by the military government.
b. Suyuan saTubigan by Macario Pineda
c. Lupang Tinubuan by Narciso Reyes
d. Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa by Liwayway Arceo

Period of Maturity and Originality (1945-1960)

1. Bountiful harvest in poetry, fiction, drama, and essay
2. Filipino writers mastered English and familiarized themselves with diverse techniques
3.Literary “giants” appeared
A. Palanca Awards for Literature
1. Jose Garcia Villa 4.Bienvenido Santos
2. Nick Joaquin 5.Gregorio Brillantes
3. NVM Gonzales 6. Gilda Cordero Fernando
B. National Artist Awards
1. Jose Garcia Villa 2.Nick Joaquin

VI. THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1945 – 1970)

A. Characteristics
1. Americans came back to the Philippines in 1945, and there was a lot of palpable rejoicing among
Filipinos.
2. Filipinos regained their freedom on July 4, 1946.
NEWSPAPERS:
A. Free Press
B. Morning Sun of Sergio Osmeña, Sr.
C. Daily News of Manuel Roxas
D. Manila Times and Daily Mirror of Joaquin Roces
E. Evening News of Ramon Roces
F. The Philippines Herald of Andres Soriano, Sr.
G. Chronicle of the Lopezes
H. Bulletin of Menzi

WRITERS AND THEIR BOOKS:

A. The Voice of the Veteran by Amante Bigornia, Roman de la Cruz, Ramon de Jesus, and J. F.
Rodriguez B. Twilight in Tokyo, and Passion and Death of the USAFFE by Leon Ma. Guerrero
C. For Freedom and Democracy by S. P. Lopez
D. Betrayal in the Philippines by Hernando Abaya
E. Seven Hills Away by NVM Gonzales

POETS AND THEIR POEMS

A. Have Come, Am Here by Jose Garcia Villa
B. Prose and Poems by Nick Joaquin
C. Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep by NVM Gonzales
D. Speak Not, Speak Also by Conrado V. Pedroche
E. Philippine Harvest by Amador Daguio
 NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH
A. Without Seeing the Dawn by Stevan Javellana
B. Pen Anthology of Short Stories (1958) by Francisco Arcellana
C. The Hand of the Enemy (1961) by Kerima Polotan
D. The Adversary (1968) and The Trail of Professor Riego (1969) by Luis V. Teodoro, Jr.

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN TAGALOG

A. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadilla
B. Sining at Pamamaraan ng Pagaara lng Panitikan (1965) by Rufino Alejandro
C. Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-67) by Rogelio G. Mangahas
D. Manunulat: Mga Piling Akdang Pilipino (1970) by Efren Abueg
E. Mga Aklat ni Rizal (Many books about Rizal were written by Filipino authors during this period.)

2. The Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (headed by Carlos Palanca, Sr.) was launched in 1950
and served as inspiration to Filipino writers. Till now, The Palanca Awards are still being given although
Mr. Palanca had already passed away.

VII. CONTEMPORARY/MODERN PERIOD (1970 – PRESENT)

A. Characteristics
1. The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration of Martial Law by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in
1972.The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven not only in the
bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions, but also in literature. Campus newspapers
showed rebellious emotions. (Kahayon and Zulueta)

2. Martial Law repressed and curtailed human rights, including freedom of the press, and Filipino writers
wrote about these dark days in their writings.

3. Writers used symbolisms and allegories to drive home their message, at the face of heavy
censorship. Theater was used as a vehicle for protest, such as the PETA (Philippine Educational
Theater Association) and UP Theater. From the eighties onwards, writers continued to show dynamism
and innovation.

4. The period of the New Society lasted from 1972-1980, and this period had writings about the theme
of development and progress of the country – the Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition,
environment, drug addiction, and pollution. However, all these supposed to be ideal projects were being
done with the military in the background. The military government were supervising the newspapers,
books, and other publications.

5. Though Martial Law was lifted on January 2, 1981, the oppression and suppression being done by
the Marcos government continued, and rebellion was seething among Filipinos. History would turn a
sudden twist when Ninoy Aquino, one of Pres. Marcos’ critics, was assassinated on August 21, 1983.
When this happened, the people’s emotions could not be suppressed; they were mad, and this showed
in the pieces of literature churned out during that period.
To understand literature, it is necessary that you ask yourself certain questions, such as “Why does the
author use this particular type of imagery, “Why does the author choose such words?”. To develop your
critical analysis skills, you have to observe the author's style and intent carefully. Aside from reading the
literary text, we also want you to think about it, react and give meaning to it.
This module provides various activities and discussion for you to:
1.) identify the geographic, ethnic and linguistic dimensions of literary text;
2.) analyze a literary text using the formalist approach; and
3.) appreciate the various dimensions by examining the geographic, ethnic and linguistic dimension of
literary text.

What is Formalist Criticism?

Formalist Criticism
• Formalist Critics (or New Critics) focus on the formal elements of a work - its language, structure, and
tone; they offer intense examinations of the relationship between form and meaning within a work,
emphasizing the subtle complexity of how a work is arranged.
Ex: how such things as diction, irony, paradox, metaphor, symbolism, plot, characterization, rhyme, or
narrative technique develop the overall meaning of the piece.
A formalist reads literature as an independent work of art rather than as a reflection of the author’s state
of mind or as a representation of a moment in history. Such
things as biography, history, politics, and economics, for example, are considered far less important
than the writing’s form. Words and image shape the work itself.

Applying Formalism in Analyzing a Literary Text

Step 1. The first step in the formalist approach is to read with an active and critical mind and paying
attention to the details of the poem.
Step 2. Next carefully examine how it is written in narrative form, or in stanzas.
Step 3. Note the word that appeals to the senses, more specifically look for images, similes,
metaphors and symbols used in the literary text.
Step 4. Study who is narrating or telling what happens, who are the characters
in the literary piece and how are these characters revealed to the readers.
Step 5. Finally, how these parts work together will tell you the theme and the message it conveys. It
answers the question what it is about.
Specific Objectives:
This module is designed to provide you with various activities and discussions for you to:

1.) Identify literary authors and representative texts from each region.
2.) Read and understand some of their selected literary works/pieces.
3.) Realize the significance of literature in one’s life.

KRISTIAN SENDON CORDERO

He is a Bicolano literary artist from the City of Iriga he is a poet, fiction writer, essayist, translator,
filmmaker; also writes in Filipino, Bikol and Rinconada
He is a recipient of Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Poetry in Filipino.
His books of poetry in three languages have won the Madrigal-Gonzales
Best First Book Award, the Philippine National Awards and the Gintong Aklat awards( Golden Book
Awards).

LITERARY WORKS:
The Naga We know
Kulto ni Santiago
Bukal sa loob, loob ng bukal
Labi
Minatubod ako sa Diklom
 ABDON M. BALDE JR.

He was born in Busac, Oas, Albay A contemporary Bicolano writer in Bikol, Filipino and English
He was awarded as one of the Outstanding Bikolano Artists for 2009 in Literary Arts category in Naga
City, in 2012
He was named Poet laureate of Albay.

First Book : Mga Pangarap at Pangitain

LITERARY WORKS

Novels: SHORT STORIES:

Mga Pangarap Sa Pangitain Milagro sa aming nayon
Sa Kagubatan ng isang Lungsod kwento ng isang pag-ibig
Komunikasyon sa makabagong panahon Bayawak sa lambak
Hunyango sa Bato Kalaguyo
Calvary Road

POEMS: NOTABLE WORKS:

Ganito Nga Pala Mayong
Kagabi Narungog ako Hunyango sa bato
Calvary Road
 MERLINDA BOBIS
She is a Contemporary Filipina-Australian writer She grew up in Legaspi City Province of Albay.
her main interest was painting, but at age ten she began writing poetry because ‘painting with words’
was cheaper. She has published novels, short stories, dramas and poems.

LITERARY WORKS

NOVELS: POETRY: SHORT STORIES:

Banana Heart Summer Usapang Ina at Anak White turtle
The Solemn Lantern Maker Politics The Kissing
Locust Girl: A Love Song This is where it begin
The Kindness of Birds Home Coming
 GIL L. LOPEZ
He is from Naga, Camarines Sur
Gil Lopez Gregorio is known as Geopoet and Geowebber
He’s been into poetry writing since 1983 while serving as one of the staffs of the Nueva Caceres
Bulletin, the official publication of the University of Nueva Caceres.

LITERARY WORKS
POEMS: NOTABLE WORK:
Emblems of Light A View From Afar
A Search for A true friend
A View from Afar
 FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE
He is From Rosales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Region His writings since 1960s when taken collectively can
be described as epic. His works reflect the consistent espousal of the aspirations of Filipinos: National
Sovereignty and Social Justice His works were translated into various languages
his novels have been translated into 22 languages.
LITERARY WORKS: Rosales Saga , The Pretenders, The Molave and the Orchid

CIRILFO F. BAUTISTA
a poet, fictionist and essayist with exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the
development of the country’s literary arts. As a way of bringing poetry and fiction closer to the people
who otherwise would not have the opportunity to develop their creative talent, Bautista has been
holding regular funded and unfunded workshops throughout the country
LITERARY WORKS: Summer Sun, The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus, Pedagogic, Third World Geography.
 ANGELA MANALANG GLORIA
She was Born in Guagua, Pampanga but settled in Tabaco, Albay,
She was a native of Pampanga but settled in Albay. She was known as the ‘’Matriarch of
Filipino women poets’’ writing in English, and was the author of the poem “Revolt from Hymen”.
She was the author of a book of poetry called “Poems” in 1940. In this collection was also her
last poem, “Old Maid walking In the City.”

PEDRO BUKANEG
He was a Filipino poet.
He is known as the “Father of Ilocano Literature” and acknowledged author of “Biag Ni Lam-
Ang”.
He wrote Christian Sermons in Ilocano, Traslated the novenas and prayers from Latin and
Spanish into Ilocano.
He Translated the book ‘’Doctrina Christiana’’ Into Ilocano.
He’s Famous Poem entitled ‘’Patay’’ Shows his clear and vigorous philosophy on death.
After knowing the different authors, let find out the definition of regional literature and literary
traditions.
Regional literature - “literary traditions, written or oral, of the various ethnolinguistic groups in the country,
communities that despite much internal migration, can still have distinct geographical settings or identity.
Literary traditions - is the passing down of stories which give meaning to human experiences, according to
literary articles. It can be categorized as national, formal or periodic.

Local authors contribute to the development of regional literary traditions in various ways.
Some of these are the following:

o Local writers directly influence literary traditions.

o Writers directly and indirectly reply to writings of others on literary traditions.
o Basically, a majority of writers will write on their past history or what happened to them in common.
Events in a society are highly associated with the culture of that place.
o By writing on those traditions they help grow those literary traditions both locally and regionally. They
also remind people of those cultures that were long forgotten.
o Local writers may also help to explain events in details. People locally or regionally depending on the
popularity of the writers is in a position to understand the literary traditions.
o Writers are able to spread their literary traditions in a variety of ways. One way is through poems and
songs.
o Writers are valuable in the development and growth of traditions.
As a student writer, your good knowledge of the literary genres and samples is beneficial as it would
help you in effectively establishing your connection with the readers. As a reader, it would allow you to
make sense of the materials that you are reading. At the end of your module journey, you should be
able to:
1.) identify the literary genres and samples produced in the 21st century and the ones from the earlier
periods;
2.) present a collection of literary genres and samples produced in the 21st century and the ones from
the earlier periods;
3.) appreciate the significance of the identified literary genres and samples by highlighting its impact in
literature.

What is a literary genre?

✓ It is a category of literary composition.

✓ Genres may be determined by literary technique, tone, content, or even (as in the case of fiction)
length.
✓ They are defined by the general cultural movement of the historical period in which they were
composed.
✓ Genre should not be confused with age categories, by which literature may be classified as either
adult, young-adult, or children's. They also must not be confused with format, such as graphic novel or
picture book.

What is 21st century literature?

✓ All literary works written and published at the latter part of the 21st century (from 2001 onwards).
✓ These works are often characterized as gender sensitive, technologically alluding, culturally
pluralistic, operates on the extreme reality or extreme fiction, and questions conventions and
supposedly absolute norms.

What is referred to as the earlier period?

✓ This period is referred to as the pre-colonial period or the period long before the Spaniards set foot
on the Philippine islands.
✓ Most of ancient Philippine literature was really oral consisting of folk narratives, riddles, proverbs,
sayings, songs, ritual chants, and epics and was definitely community-bound.
✓ The expressions sprang from the experience of the community and served its needs from the
transmission of beliefs, values, ideals, customs, to entertainment. Many of these expressions still
survive in our time, having been handed down orally through generations.
 21st Century Pre-Colonial Period
Literary Characteristics Literary Characteristics
Genres Genres
Blog It is an online journal or Epics These are narratives of sustained
informational website displaying length based on oral tradition,
information in the reverse revolving around supernatural
chronological order, with latest events or heroic deeds, in the
posts appearing first. It is a form of verse which is either
platform where a writer or even a chanted or sung with a certain
group of writers share their views seriousness of purpose, and
on an individual subject embodying or validating the
beliefs, customs, ideals, or life
values of the people.

Chik Lit It is a fiction which addresses Folk These literatures were created to
issues of modern womanhood, Narrative explain why certain things existed
often humorously or in their physical environment.
lightheartedly, It typically These come in the form of origin
features a female protagonist myths, legends, fables, tales of
whose womanhood is heavily the supernatural, and humorous
thematized in the plot. accounts about some trickster
Flash Fiction It is a style of fictional literature Proverbs These are the statements of
of extreme brevity. There is no practical wisdom based on long
widely accepted definition of the experience and observations
length of the category. It could about life
range from a word to a
thousand.
Illustrated Generally, 50% of the narrative Riddles These attest to the wit and
novel is presented without words. The ingenuity and the richness of the
reader must interpret the images imagination of ancient Filipinos.
in order to comprehend the
complete story.
Scifi It is a genre of speculative fiction Songs They are used at almost every
dealing with imaginative occasion at work, at worship, and
concepts such as futuristic at play accompanied with musical
science and technology, space instrument, mostly of the
travel, faster than light travel, percussive and stringed varieties.
parallel universe and
extraterrestrial life.
In this lesson, you will be able to learn the different literary elements, structure and tradition which are
the basics of understanding literature. If you will be able to learn all these concepts, it will be easier for
you to determine the culture, tradition and language of the text that it represents. Your learning from
this lesson will serve as an introduction to a new world experience.

In this lesson you will be able to:

• determine the different literary elements, structure and tradition.
• differentiate literary elements, structure and tradition through recognizing them in a literary text.
• appreciate the value of literary texts around them through reading, interpreting, and criticism

Elements of Short Story

CHARACTER
Character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or a
piece of literary work.

Main characters - those who are most important in the story

Minor characters - usually static or unchanging Characters according to principality 1.Protagonist is the
character with whom the reader empathizes
2.Antagonist is the character that goes against the protagonist

Characterization is the method used by the writer/author to reveal the personality of the character/s.
The characters are revealed according to:
1. actions of the character
2. thoughts of the character
3. descriptions of the character
4. descriptions of other characters
5. descriptions of the author

SETTING
Setting is the time and place that a story occurs.

Place - Geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place?
Time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc.)
Weather Conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc.?
Social Conditions -What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing
that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?

PLOT
Plot is a pattern of events that develop from the interactions between characters.
A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
It is the main action that runs through the whole story.
 5 ELEMENTS OF PLOT

o Exposition or introduction- the beginning of the story where the characters and setting is revealed.
o Rising Action- this is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story
is revealed (events between the introduction and climax)
o Climax- this is the highest point and the turning point of the story. The readers wonder what will
happen next; will the conflict be resolved or not?
o Falling Action- the events and complications begin to resolve themselves. The reader knows what
has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not (events between climax and resolution)
o Conclusion or Resolution- the part of the plot that concludes the falling action by revealing or
suggesting the outcome of the conflict.

CONFLICT
Conflict is any of the problem that a character encounters in a story. The conflict is a struggle between
two people or things in a short story. The main character is on one side of the main conflict.

Conflicts can be:

1. External – A struggle with a force outside one's self.
2. Internal – A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet
their temper, resist an urge, etc.

TYPES OF CONFLICT
a. man vs. man - a type of conflict where one character in the story has a problem with one or
more of the other characters
b. man vs. society - a type of conflict where a character has a conflict or problem with some
element of society-the school, the law, the accepted way of doing things, and so on
c. man vs. nature - a type of conflict where a character has a problem with some natural
happening: snowstorm, typhoon, avalanche, bitter cold, or any elements common to nature
d. man vs. self -is a type of conflict where a character has trouble deciding what to do in a
particular situation

THEME
●Theme in a story is its underlying message, or big idea.
●It pertains to critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short
story or poem?
●The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature.
●The theme is the controlling idea or the central insight. A theme can be expressed as a general
statement about people or life.
●It is NOT plot summary.
● It can be either directly or indirectly stated by the author. Most likely indirectly.
SUBJECT-usually expressed in a word or two: love, childhood, or death
The knowledge and the lessons that you’ve acquired from analyzing a story can be applied in your
everyday life. With different stories that are available and can be read in books and on social media,
you may have to take time for a close analysis of a story.
This module provides various activities and discussions for you to:
1. describe reader response as an approach to scrutinize a literary text in terms of elements, structures
and traditions;
2. scrutinize a literary text from a reader’s perspective; and
3. recognize the importance of the Reader-Response Theory in producing meaning of a literary work.

What is reader response criticism?

As a literary criticism, reader response criticism considers readers’ reactions to literature as vital to
interpreting the meaning of the text.
Characteristics of Reader-Response Criticism
1. Reader response criticism places strong emphasis on the reader’s role in producing the meaning of a
literary work.
2. It is in some senses an opposite approach from that of formalism.
3. Whereas formalists treat meaning as objectively inherent in the text, in reader response criticism, the
text has no meaning until it is read by a reader who creates the meaning.
4. Unlike the formalist critical approach, this type of literary criticism insists that works are not universal,
that is, that they will not always mean more or less the same thing to readers everywhere.

Characteristics of Reader-Response Criticism

1. Reader response criticism places strong emphasis on the reader’s role in producing the meaning of a
literary work.
2. It is in some senses an opposite approach from that of formalism.
3. Whereas formalists treat meaning as objectively inherent in the text, in reader response criticism, the
text has no meaning until it is read by a reader who creates the meaning.
4. Unlike the formalist critical approach, this type of literary criticism insists that works are not universal,
that is, that they will not always mean more or less the same thing to readers everywhere.

Typical Questions to be Asked when Reading as Reader-Response Critic

▪ How does the interaction of text and reader create meaning?
▪ What does a phrase-by-phrase analysis of a short literary text, or a key portion of a longer text, tell us
about the reading experience pre-structured by (built into) that text?
▪ Do the sounds/shapes of the words as they appear on the page or how they are spoken by the reader
enhance or change the meaning of the word/work?
▪ How might we interpret a literary text to show that the reader’s response is, or is analogous to, the
topic of the story?
Central to the development of literacy is the foundation of literature through which time periods become
unfolded to and reflected by the readers like you. However, literature, particularly in the Philippines has
gone various changes as a result of catastrophic colonization. These changes are seen in the writings
of modern Filipino writers today particularly in their use of the literary elements, structure, and traditions
in which flexibility and personal style are incorporated. Consequently, there is a needfor modern
readers like you to be able to compare and contrast the 21st century Philippine literary genres and the
ones from the earlier genres citing their literary elements, structure, and traditions.
Particularly, this module provides you fun activities and comprehensive discussion for you to:

✓ distinguish literary elements, structure, and tradition of fiction and poetry;

✓ describe the literary elements, structure and tradition of earlier genre of fiction and 21st century
poetry; and
✓ reflect on the changes of the literary elements, structure, and tradition through times
Characteristics Earlier Genre of Fiction 21st Genre of Poetry
I. Elements A. Setting A.Figurative language
➢ time of the datus ➢ Figurative language ranges
➢ daily life in a far-away land from simple to complex.
B. Characteristics B. Sound Device
➢ Characters may or may not ➢ usually in free verse
have supernatural capabilities. C. Theme
➢ Some protagonists were ➢ usually talks about personal
ideal persons. and social problems
C. Conflict D. Tone
➢ man vs. man; man vs. fate ➢ It can be comic, serious,
D. Point-of-view desperate, tragic, uncertain,
➢ often uses third person and outspoken.
limited
E. Theme
➢ conveys love for family;
honour to the community; and
gift of good values
F. Tone
➢ Narrators conformed to the
culture as it is very illuminating,
optimistic, nostalgic and polite

II. Structure A. Plot can be either: A. Metrical pattern

➢ Freytag’s pyramid- The ➢ It can be either metrical
plot starts with the or free verse.
exposition, rising action, B. No. of Lines and
climax, falling action, and syllables
resolution.
➢ usually does not follow
➢ Seven-point story- The specific number of lines
plot starts with the hook and syllables
which presents the readers
current situation.
 III. Tradition A. Values orientation A. Values orientation
➢ reflects family values ➢ It usually persuades the
and beliefs of elders readers to change human
B. Social and political views and social nature.
➢ addresses the role of B. Social and political
gender in the society (a views
gender stereotype in the ➢ It often talks about
modern era) and the extent individual differences, race,
of bravery people gave for political issues, social
the sake of their territory justice and alike.
C. Language C. Language
➢ can be oral or written ➢ can be oral or written
➢ Narrators used their ➢ Narrators may use
own dialects. colloquial words and slangs
➢ It is often delivered in a for more personal
simple, lyrical, and metrical connection
way to aid familiarization.

In literature, nothing is constant and so the characteristics above may still vary depending on the
selection. Here are some additional points to spot similarities and differences of fiction and poetry.

➢ There are some poems with stories and some fictions with rhymes. It can be seen in epics in the
earlier era and some spoken-word poems (a poem which purpose is to convey message orally for the
audience) and children stories in the 21stcentury literature.In this case, you can add fiction’s elements
and structure for poems and vice versa.

➢ Not all poems are descriptive; it can also be persuasive just likeverse journalism (a social or
political issue presented in a poetic form).

➢ It is not at all times true that oral tradition only happened in the pre-colonial era and written tradition
in the modern era. There were also narratives carved in woods or engraved in stones using symbols
and old alphabets during precolonial era and oral tradition in the modern era.
 Draw this double-bubble map in your notebook. Write a descriptive word in each circle which
describes similarities of these two periods in literature in the connected circles and differences in the
outer circles.

ERALIER
LITERARY
GENRE

21ST CENTURY
LITERATURE
GENRE