Lesson 1

Definition of Literature
We established three definitions of literature. The first one is that literature comes from the Latin
modified word "literra," which means anything that is written or sometimes spoken is considered literature.
That being said, any piece of paper that has writing on it is considered literature. Even if it’s just a mere
scratch of paper, a receipt, a prescription from the doctor, a mathematical book, or a science book, it is
considered literature. Now this is not the topic that we’re going to study for this subject; the study of
literature that we’re going to discuss is the second definition of literature, which is that literature expresses
thoughts, emotions, and feelings about life. We will also study why, as we consumers of literature, we
somehow feel happy, sad, angry, or even love whenever we deal with literary pieces, and that is because of
the third definition of literature, which is that literature is a reflection of life. Whenever we deal with
literature, we have two worlds: the imaginative and material worlds, wherein the imaginative world is
portraying what is really happening in the material world or the real world.

What Is the Function of Literature

We have three functions of literature. The first one is literature of power, wherein it moves the heart
and mind of the reader. That being said, whenever we deal with literary pieces, it influences us to do
something. Then we have the literature of knowledge, where it gives particular values, messages, and
themes to the readers. The last one is Dulce et Utile; Dulce means sweet, and Utile means useful. Whenever
we deal with literary pieces it should not be Dulce (sweet) alone because it is shallow or light. It should not
also be Utile (useful) alone, because it is boring. So it should be Dulce et Utile (sweet and useful). After all,
Horace said the function of literature is to delight and instruct the readers.

Genres of Literature
The genres of literature are the following: prose, poetry, and drama. Prose is written in a natural flow
of speech; it is written in paragraph form, and unlike poetry, it is not restricted. Prose has two major types:
fiction and non-fiction. Fiction is a product of the imaginative mind of the writer, while nonfiction is based
on facts or a real story. Then we have poetry; unlike prose, it is restrictive. It is written in a metrical
structure; it has stanzas, rhythm, rhyme, etc. The last one is drama, which is a unique tool to express and
explore human feelings. Unlike prose and poetry, drama is meant to be performed.

Elements of literature
Elements of literature can be distributed among the elements of genres of literature. Let us start with the
elements of prose. First, we have the plot, which is the series of events and the arrangement of ideas that
make up a story. It is the backbone of the story. It can be written in a chronological or non-cognitive
manner; if the writer wishes to write it in a non-cognitive manner, then the writer can apply "flashback". The
plot also has elements: exposure, where the characters and settings are introduced. Rising Action, where the
strory starts to build up because the problem, struggle, or obstacle that the character will be facing is now
being introduced. Then we have the climax, which is the highest point of the story, where we can find the
"catharsis," which is the strong release of emotions. That brings us to the falling action. If we have a strong
release of emotions, we also have relief from the release of strong emotions, and that can be found in the
falling action. It is also where we can see the literary term "choosing between two lesser evils". Here we can
see that the character is facing a dilemma wherein they have to choose between two lesser evils, wherein
choosing one will affect the other and vice versa. The last element of the plot is the resolution, or the
denoma, where the problems are resolved; it is the ending, and it could be a happy or sad ending. It has a
theme; the theme is the central idea of the story; it is never the moral lesson of the story. It also has
symbolism; where an object is meant to represent something other than itself, it gives deeper meaning to the
story. The conflict is the problem or obstacle that the characters will face throughout the story. Conflict has
different kinds: man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. science, man vs. the supernatural, man vs. society, and
man vs. himself. Elements of prose also have point of view; it pertains to who tells the story and how it is
told. It also has three types: first person, second person, third person (limited), and omniscient. We also have
settings; they pertain to when and where the story happened, and not only that, they also provide the cultural
and historical context of the story. Foreshadowing occurs when the writer gives the reader hints or clues
about something that will eventually occur in the story. The last one is suspense; it is the tension that the
author uses to create discomfort about the unknown.
Let us now move on to the elements of poetry. First, we have stanzas. Stanzas are lines that are grouped
together and separated by an empty line. It has four types: couplet, tercet, quatrain, cinquain, sestet, septet,
and octave. We also have rhyme, which pertains to the repetition of similar sounds and makes the poetry
musical. There are two kinds of rhyme: the end rhyme and the internal rhyme. Wherein end rhyme occurs at
the end of two or more lines and internal rhyme occurs within the line. If there is no rhyme at all, we call it
blank verse. We have sound devices, namely: alliteration, assonance, consonance, and onomatopoeia.
Alliterations are the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Assonance is the repetition of
vowel sounds within words. Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within and at the end of
words. Onomatopoeia are sounds that suggest actions. We also have the element of rhythm, which gives a
pleasant gliding effect when we read a poem. The persona is the person speaking in the poem. Poetic diction
pertains to the pronunciation and choice of words. It is possible to write whatever you want to the poem; you
can invent words that are not in the dictionary simply because we have the poetic license, wherein it is the
liberty given to the poets to do whatever they want with the language.
That brings us to the elements of drama. The elements of prose are quite present in the elements of drama;
like prose, drama also has a plot. Drama is distinct from prose in that it has dialogue, where the lines spoken
by the characters in the play And performance: drama is meant to be performed by actors who impersonate
the characters that they play.

What is the significance of studying Literature

We have four significances of studying literature. First, we have an analytical aspect; whenever we
deal with literary pieces, it allows us to enhance our critical thinking skills. Next, we have cultural aspects;
whenever we read someone else's literary piece, we get to be familiar with another tradition, belief, or
culture. We also have historical aspects; whenever we deal with literary pieces, it serves as a mirror of the
past. We get to know what happened in the past and somehow know the experiences of those who walk
before us. And last, we have entertainment; whenever we deal with literary pieces, we are entertained simply
because, for a moment, we forget our feelings, emotions, problems, the cruelty of the world, and just get lost
in the marvelous world of narratives.

Lesson 2:
Children of Filipino diaspora - pertains to filipinos who do not live in the philippines. Did not grow up in
the phil
Diaspora - people who live outside of their motherland.

Philippines or filipinos can be featured in netflix and they are portrayed as the most corrupt, poor, country
who need salvation, country has the weakest justice system. Filipinos are portrayed as beggar or opportunist
who will always find a white man as an oppurtunity. On the other hand, filipinos who grew in their country
would often see and hear how resilient filipinos are. “Kahit anong problema sa phil, resilient tayo”. Even
though the problem is acc the reason or a product of a national bad decision. Kaya mo yan filipino tayo,
resilient tayo, kaya natin yan, mag-aadjust din tayo. Kahit the cause of that crisis is a nation bad decision, or
a bad government decision. Though pwede naman na gawan natin ng solusyon ang problema. Pero dinfi
nagagawa at nakakalagpas ang mga bad desicions ng leaders natin.
Filipinos of diaspora was totally seperated from their motherland thoe technological advancement like the
filipino channel or the boom ode socila meda were able to connect now to the people that are living in the
Philippines. However even in the existence of such as social media. Na unite ba tayo?? hindii naur. The soc
med did not unite us in fact mas naging worse pa kase it only shows how devided we are as a country.
TAMA. We are as devided as ever. For example iba iba tayo ng opinion, tingin, kultura. Iba iba ang tingin
natin sa ating national government. Even in fashion and trend. Bat marcos? Bakit leni? Bakit vah?
How does it hapen?? Why tayo despite us living as fellow filipinos we have diff ideologies. Iba iba ang pag
tingin natin sa ibang bagay???
Why is that even in we live in the same archipelagi we are devided in mind??
Since we are a product of multiple colonizations? Can we still find a pure filipino???
- we are as filipino as our history wrote us to be.
Our awareness of our kasaysayan will make us realize that although we root ourselves in our common
Austronesian heritage, we do not deny that colonization also enriched whoever we are, for good and bad.
Our faults and virtues are a blending of the East and the West. It is what makes us Filipinos now.
Hence, never try to find the pure Filipino, none exists. You are as Filipino as our history made us to be.
Inheritor of a great legacy.

According to historian fernand braudel we should look at the history in the “LONGUE DUREE” in eng.
longer duration. Not just the series of events but the mentalities that connects those events.

Because of colonization we obtain this mentality, we call it “Colonial Mentality”.

Colonial mentality – Is we view our colonizer as the standard, as the dominant people, thus the culture, the
beliefs, the traditions that the colonizer has also passed through.
It has a big impact not just in our country but also in the world. Because they are the trendsetter.

According to constructivism theory, is a way of constructing a sense of reality.

- Countries, especially the strong ones, have to construct a sense of reality wherein they have to appear to be
the strongest in all aspects. Why? Why do Americans always interfere with other countries business and
war? Because they want to make the world think they are the strongest
So that:
- No one will even dare try to touch them.
- They could be the trendsetter or standard (it is important because it would result in strong national
interest). Just imagine that we, living in a third-world country, see our country as inferior. That’s why most
Filipinos' ideologies would just study here in the Philippines and go work abroad. That’s because of colonial
mentality; we think that having a better opportunity is not found here but rather abroad. Because they are the
standard/trendsetter, they are the ones who manufacture the materials for the trend; they are the sellers;
eventually, they will have economic prosperity; they will get richer; they will be a powerful country.
That is why we are still living in a third-world country because of our colonial mentality; we would rather
support the products, fashion, and many more of other countries than ours. Because for many, if you have
that product, it is a symbol of your wealth and a showoff to other people.
I. PRE-COLONIAL/SPANISH PERIOD (--BC to 1564)
The Discovery of the Philippines
On March 15, 1521, a Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, arrived at the sea of Cebu. For them, it is
just a stopover because of certain circumstances. (They want to prove that the earth is round.)
When he arrived in Cebu, Raha Humabon welcomed Magellan and his men by giving them some food
because of their hospitality. Raha Humabon was like the governor of the whole province; he’s the leader of
that land. Along with him are the Datus, who, like the mayors of the town “bayan”. Eventually, Raha
Humabon and Magellan became friends, to the point where Raha Humabon and his wife converted to
Christianity. Right after that, Raha Humabon ordered his Datus to also be converted and be baptized as
Christians. All of his Datus except Datu Lapu-Lapu reject the order of Raha Humabon becoming a
Christian. So Raha Humabon told Magellan that he should go confront, talk, and befriend Lapu-Lapu. Then
Magellan agreed. When Magellan got to the place of Datu Lapu-lapu, on their way, they were already
confronted by conflict, arms, and troops of Lapu-lapu; they were not welcomed. Thus, the battle starts
between the two; hence, the battle we know today as the “Battle of Mactan”. In which Magellan was
defeated and killed by the troops of Lapu-Lapu, with Lapu-Lapu giving the last blow to Magellan. Hence the
victor of that battle was Datu Lapu-lapu; the first ever victory of our country ever recorded. When Magellan
died his troops retreated and go back to Raha Humabon. Raha Humabon aid and give food with the
remaining men of Magellan, little did they know that the food they were eating have poison in it. When the
Spaniards notice that they were poisoned by Raha Humabon, they retreated and go back to spain. One of the
survivors named Juan Sebastian Elcano reported the events that happened to the King of Spain.
After 40 years, Spain sent another ships to the Philippines led by Miguel Lopez De Legazpi and in 1565 they
arrived at Manila, Philippines (di sure). This time, they are now successful to colonize the Philippines
because of religion.
How did they easily colonize the Philippines?
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the people here in the Philippines already had a way of life.
They already have culture, tradition, beliefs, and transactions with other countries. The people living here in
the Philippines before the Spanish colonization are called Austronesian people, and they believed in
"kaluluwa,” or the soul. That is why Spaniards didn’t struggle much in colonizing the Philippines because
the people already had the belief of an afterlife, or kaluluwa, and now all they needed to know was
“salvation” by accepting Jesus Christ. Because we Pilipinos are born religious seen by the Spaniards, they
see that we believed in supernatural deity, we worship woods, sun, and anitos. Wherein we have the
Babylan, which is like the priest who gives advice to the people. That is why they easily colonized the
Luzon and Visayas without arms and forces.

What are the changes brought by the Spanish period?

First, with the idea of society having a government, they introduced the idea of “Pueblo” which came from
the idea of “bayan”. Wherein the mabubuting kaluluwa and pakikisama that formed the Bayan are now
being separated and called Pueblo-town city, which became the center of the life of the citizen; where the
church is built in the center of the town; where the school is beside the church; where the municipality is
near the church; and where the plaza is in front of the municipality. The church is in the center of the town
because, as we all know, the church ruled the entire government at the time. And this can still be seen even
today. Second, they introduced their religion, which is Catholicism. From Hinduism, Islam, and animism,
they turned them into Catholicism or Christianity. The idea of having a bahay na bato (house made with
stone) The idea of having an economic policy or system that made the Filipinos lives like hell Like having a
high taripa, or tax, and forcing Filipinos and their children to work. The idea of money. And lastly, the
Spanish are the ones who gave us names, especially surnames. Wherein all of the names of the Pilipino
people are listed so that the Philippines has all the records of the Pilipino people living in the country. But
even the surnames that they have given us are part of insulting us because almost all of the surnames have
meaning that tries to insult the Pilipinos, like having a nickname like Valdez, which means Balde, Espiritu,
which means you look like a dead or spirit, and many more.
PS.
mabubuting kaluluwa and pakikisama that formed the Bayan which make sense that the word bayanihan
comes from Bayan and the spirit of bayanihan comes from the term mabubuting kaluluwa and pakikisama.
Wherein it is told that those people who have mabubuting kaluluwa and has pakikisama formed a society
which called bayan, in the south we called it sultanate.

Literary Forms of Spanish Era

First, we have religious literature, which is a set of religious lyrics written by Ladino poets or those versed in
both Spanish and Tagalog that were included in early catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the
Spanish language. Examples are (a) Pasyon, a long narrative poem about the passion and death of Christ.
And (b) Senakulo, the dramatization of the pasyon, shows the passion and death of Christ. Second is secular
(non-religious) literature, which has colorful tales of chivalry made for singing and chanting. An example is
Ibong Adarna. And (b) Korido, a metrical tale written in octo-syllabic quatrains; an example is Florante at
Laura by Francisco Baltazar.

The Start of Enlightenment Period

How did the enlightenment period started?
There are three main reasons why the Enlightenment period started. First, it all started with the death of
GomBurZa during the Cavite Mutany. These three priests were sentenced to death by garrote because the
Spaniards saw the three priests supporting the Philippine rebellions. It is said that they were killed without
evidence, and the Spanish authorities bribed witnesses to testify against the three priests. Because of that, it
reawakened the spirit of nationalism in Pilipinos and inspired Jose Rizal to write his first novel, Noli Me
Tangere.
The second is that the Philippines is now open for world trade; the ports are open. Because of that, the
illustrados, or Filipinos, who are living in the middle class are now able to send their children abroad for
education. Like Jose Rizal, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, and many more. And because of their
education abroad, they learned and realized the brutality, injustices, and inequality that the Pilipino people
experienced under the Spanish Regime. And because of that, illustrados went back to the country, asking for
reformation.
The third one is the movement. During this period, there were two movements: the propaganda movement
and the revolutionary movement. The propaganda movement led by the ilustrados didn't fight with arms but
with pens. Since the Spanish have been colonizing the Philippines for the past 300 years, the Illustrados
didn't want them to go and just wanted a reformation. There are 5 things they wanted to happen. The first
one was that they sought equality among Filipinos and Spaniards. Second, they want to be a legitimate
colony of Spain because, for 300 years, they did not acknowledge the Philippines as a colony but rather as
slaves and laborers. Third, they wanted the Filipino people to have representation before the Spanish court.
Fourth, they want to Philippineize the parishes. And the last one is that they want freedom: freedom of the
press, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and redress of grievances. On the other hand, the
revolutionary movement is more propagandistic in nature and more violent. Because unlike the propaganda
movement, which only seeks reformation, the revolutionary movement
seeks the total abolition of the Spanish government, because for them, Las Islas Pilipinas are for the
Pilipinos only.
Even though these 2 movements have good intentions for the country, none of them won because, as we all
know, for the propaganda movement, Jose Rizal will be shot dead, and for the revolutionary movement,
actress Bonifacio was killed not by the Spaniards but by the hands of his fellow Pilipinos. Because there
were many revolutionary movements, there was conflict, and eventually the Pilipinos did not unite at all.
Literary aspect or forms
Propaganda Literature, which is reformatory and objective under this movement, has literary pieces called
Political Essays, like Diario Tagalog, founded by María H. del Pilar; La Solidaridad, whose editor in chief is
Graciano Lopez-Jaena; and Political Novels, which are Noli and El Fili, penned by Jose Rizal.
Under this revolutionary literature is the Kalayaan, a newspaper edited by Emilio Jacinto.

American Period, which is also called the "Period of Immitation" or "Period of Apprenticeship."

It all started with the Spanish and American War in Cuba, which extended to the Philippines in the form of
war on May 1, 1898, in Manila Bay. Hence, we call it the "Battle of Manila Bay". It was presided over by
George Dewey with the assistance of Emilio Aguinaldo. They fought and sank the ship of the Spaniards.
The Americans won the battle, and the Spaniards ceded the Philippines to the Americans for 20 million US
dollars. The Spanish-American War ended with the "Treaty of Paris," and one of the agreements there was
for the Spaniard to cede the Philippines to the Americans for 20 million dollars. After that, the Philippines
acquired its first independence, which was on June 12, 1898. However, that particular independence was cut
short shortly after its declaration because the Americans opposed the declaration of independence by
"Emilio Aguinaldo", For the Americans, we Filipinos still don't have the knowledge to stand up for
ourselves, so they want to teach us first by colonizing us. In 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo became the first
president of the Philippines. Until 1901, Filipinos kept resisting Americans, and in 1902, Americans
completely colonized the Philippines.
Americans colonized us with the intention of teaching Filipinos. So they are the ones who spread the
education system, where in the education system back then were the 3 R's, which are reading, writing, and
arithmetic. Aside from soldiers, Americans also sent 600 teachers on board a ship named "Thomas Ship,"
which is why they are called "Thomasites". Since Americans said that they would release us after they
taught us how to stand on our own, they made laws during that time, which are the "Jones Law." It is the
first law enacted by Congressman Jones. This law states that Americans will provide the Philippines with its
independence in the near future. The next law is in 1934, the "Tydings and Mcduffie Act," which was
written by Congressman Tydings and Mcduffie. The law states that for 10 years, the Philippines will be
under a "commonwealth government." After that, they will release the Philippines, and in return, the
Americans will retain their military bases. But after nine years, the Philippines is invaded by Japan. During
the American Period, the public education system was established, the parishes were decentralized, and the
economic system grew because the Philippines was handled by the Americans. The way of life changed
during this time, and American foods were introduced. The government system was also changed. The three
branches of "government," which are "legislative, "executive","" and "judicial," were also established
during this time. The legislative department consists of a house of representatives, partylist representatives,
and senators; they are the ones who propose, enact, refill, and amend laws. And the executive department
consists of the president, vice president, and cabinet members (all departments in the Philippines); they are
the ones who apply and execute the law. Lastly, the judicial department, which consists of judges, is the
one who checks if a law is unconstitutional and interprets it. The characteristics of this period are that
Americans taught Filipinos to teach fellow Filipinos. It ended with the invasion of the Japanese in Bataan.

During this period, there were literary forms such as poems and short stories like "Dead Stars by Paz
Marquez Benitez" and novels like "Childe of Sorrow" the first novel in English by "Zoilo Galang". Filipino
writers at this time imitated English and American models; poems at this time were amateurish and mushy.

(The American Period in the Philippines, often referred to as the "Period of Imitation" or "Period of
Apprenticeship," marked a pivotal chapter in the nation's history. This period began with the Spanish-
American War in Cuba, which soon extended to the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, the "Battle of Manila
Bay" unfolded, overseen by Admiral George Dewey with the assistance of Emilio Aguinaldo. This decisive
battle resulted in the sinking of Spanish ships, culminating in an American victory. Subsequently, the Treaty
of Paris was signed, leading to the cession of the Philippines to the United States in exchange for 20 million
US dollars.
The Philippines declared its first independence on June 12, 1898, but this declaration was short-lived. The
United States opposed it, believing that Filipinos were not yet prepared for self-governance, and embarked
on the colonization of the archipelago. Emilio Aguinaldo assumed the role of the first president of the
Philippines in 1899, yet Filipinos continued to resist American rule until 1902 when the United States fully
established its colonial authority.

The primary objective of American colonization was to educate the Filipino population. Consequently, the
American administration introduced a public education system that emphasized the "3 R's" – reading,
writing, and arithmetic. Alongside the military, a contingent of 600 American teachers arrived on a ship
known as the "Thomas Ship," earning them the moniker "Thomasites." The Jones Law, the inaugural piece
of legislation authored by Congressman Jones, outlined the United States' commitment to granting the
Philippines its independence in the future.

In 1934, the Tydings-McDuffie Act, crafted by Congressman Tydings and McDuffie, set forth the trajectory
of a "commonwealth government" for the Philippines for ten years before achieving full independence, with
the United States retaining certain military bases. Regrettably, after nine years, the Philippines found itself
invaded by Japan.

This American colonial period also brought about significant changes in various aspects of Philippine
society. The introduction of the public education system revolutionized literacy and numeracy among the
populace. Parishes were decentralized, and the nation's economic system experienced growth under
American stewardship. This era also witnessed shifts in lifestyle, with the introduction of American foods
and cultural influences.

In terms of governance, the American Period ushered in a transformation of the Philippine political system.
The three branches of government – legislative, executive, and judicial – were established. The legislative
department featured the House of Representatives, partylist representatives, and senators, responsible for the
proposal, enactment, amendment, and repeal of laws. The executive department comprised the president,
vice president, and cabinet members overseeing the execution and enforcement of laws. The judicial
department, which included judges, held the vital role of ensuring the constitutionality of laws and
interpreting their meanings.

The American Period was not only a time of political and cultural transition but also a period of literary
evolution. Various literary forms emerged, including poems and short stories like "Dead Stars" by Paz
Marquez Benitez and novels like "A Child of Sorrow" by Zoilo Galang. Filipino writers of this era often
emulated English and American literary models, resulting in sentimental and somewhat amateurish poems.

In conclusion, the American Period in the Philippines was a significant era characterized by both challenges
and progress. The American presence left a lasting impact on the nation, fundamentally reshaping its
governance, educational system, and culture. While Filipinos initially sought independence, this period
ultimately set the stage for the country's eventual journey toward self-rule, despite the interruptions brought
by external conflicts, such as the Japanese invasion. The literary contributions of this period also shed light
on the dynamic interplay between Filipino and American influences, paving the way for a distinct Filipino
literary identity in the years to come.)
Start of Japanese Period
In 1941, the Japanese Period started with the Japanese Occupation. And in 1942 the Japanese were able to
colonised the Philippines, because for 3 months the Filipinos and Americans were trying to defend the the
Phillipines in Bataan when the Japanese were trying to invade , however because of the lack of support from
the american government they lose. And after 3 months, they gave up Bataan, which led to the "100
Kilometers Bataan Death March". During this time there are many casualties because of the "guerilla wars"
or "pag-aaklas" that are not planned, and sometimes the ones who participate here are not just "uniformed or
authorized personnel" but also civilians.
It ended with the Americans going back to the Philippines to once again fight the Japanese, and they were
successful in 1945. When the Japanese were forced out by the Americans, the Americans colonized the
Philippines again, but there is the "Tydings and Mcduffie Act," which was implemented on July 4, 1946. In
literary aspects of the Japanese Period, (1) Tagalog poets broke from the Balagtas tradition and instead
wrote in simple language and free verse. (2) They mastered English as a medium for writing stories and
poems. (3) Fiction prevailed over poetry because, during this time, people preferred to read fiction or prose
over poetry. (4) Bountiful harvest in poetry, fiction, drama, and essays (5) The literary giants during this era
appeared like the "Palanca Awards for Literature," which is the highest award a writer could receive.
National artists like "Nick Joaquian and Jose Garcia Villa have this kind of award.

(The Japanese Period, which began in 1941 with the Japanese Occupation, was a significant chapter in
Philippine history. In 1942, the Japanese managed to colonize the Philippines after a tough three-month
battle in Bataan, where both Filipinos and Americans bravely tried to defend their homeland against the
Japanese invasion. Unfortunately, due to limited support from the American government, they had to
surrender Bataan, which led to the infamous "100 Kilometers Bataan Death March." This was a brutal and
tragic episode, as guerrilla warfare, or "pag-aaklas," took a toll on both uniformed personnel and civilians.
The end of this period came in 1945 when American forces returned to the Philippines, successfully pushing
out the Japanese occupiers. However, the post-occupation period brought a new set of changes as the
Philippines once again came under American control. On July 4, 1946, the "Tydings and Mcduffie Act" was
put into effect, granting the Philippines a measure of autonomy and independence.
Shifting our focus to the realm of literature, the Japanese Period had a profound impact. Tagalog poets broke
away from the traditional Balagtas style, embracing simpler language and free verse. They also showed
remarkable proficiency in using English as a medium for storytelling. During this time, fiction became more
popular than poetry, as people leaned toward prose. This shift led to a blossoming of creative works in
various forms, including poetry, fiction, drama, and essays.
Moreover, this era saw the rise of literary giants, whose contributions were celebrated through prestigious
awards like the "Palanca Awards for Literature." Writers like Nick Joaquín and Jose Garcia Villa received
these accolades, leaving an indelible mark on Filipino literature.
In sum, the Japanese Period was a time of great upheaval and transformation in the Philippines. The people's
resilience in the face of adversity and the evolution of literature during this period stand as testaments to the
strength and creativity of the Filipino spirit.)

LESSON 3
**Criticisms**, when contemplated, often evoke a negative connotation. However, literary criticism doesn't
always entail negativity; it is the act of passing judgment, which may involve both positive and negative
evaluations. It's crucial to understand that literary criticism is a nuanced and analytical endeavor that seeks
to delve into the core of a piece of art, be it a written work, a painting, a dance, or any form of creative
expression.

**How do we criticize?**
To engage in a constructive critique, it's imperative to thoroughly understand the piece in question. This
involves a comprehensive grasp of the elements and attributes that constitute the piece. Essentially, it's about
dissecting the piece to comprehend what it is composed of and what it consists of. This initial step is
fundamental to any meaningful evaluation.

**Four Components of a Piece according to Abrahams**, whether it's a tangible object, a visual creation, or
a piece of literature, are as follows:

1. **Work:** This component represents the piece itself, whether it's a drawing, a dance, a poem, or any
other artistic expression. It is the physical embodiment of the artist's creativity.

2. **Artist:** The artist is the creator, the author, or the craftsman behind the piece. The artist infuses their
thoughts, emotions, and creativity into the work, making it an extension of their self.

3. **Audience:** The audience comprises the people for whom the piece is intended. They are the viewers,
readers, or users of the art form. Their perceptions and reactions are crucial to the piece's impact.

4. **Universe:** The universe is the subject matter or theme of the piece. It embodies what the artwork is
attempting to convey or portray. It is the core concept, the heart of the matter, and the message that the artist
wishes to communicate.

To better illustrate these components, let's consider a **piece of dance**. When analyzed through the lens
of the four components, the dancers are the artists who bring the dance to life. The dance itself represents the
work. The audience includes the viewers or those who witness the dance. The universe, in this context, is the
subject matter, which could be a war dance, reflecting the theme and message the dance aims to convey.

**Four Classical Theories**

There are four classical theories of literary criticism: pragmatic, objective, mimetic, and expressive. These
theories are intricately linked to the four components of a piece. Each theory serves as a unique framework
to examine and understand art.

**Pragmatic Theory**
The pragmatic theory is audience-centered. It posits that art serves a purpose. It can inspire, educate, or be
used as a means to an end. In essence, it's about utilizing art as a tool to achieve a specific goal. If you apply
pragmatic theory, you consider the piece as a purposeful instrument, making it inherently audience-centered.
For instance, if an audience uses a literary work to alleviate sadness or boredom, this exemplifies pragmatic
theory. In this scenario, the audience leverages the piece as a means to reach a desired emotional state or to
find entertainment. In a broader sense, the pragmatic theory revolves around how the audience perceives and
employs a literary work.
**Expressive Theory**
The expressive theory is focused on the artist—the creator behind the work. When using expressive theory,
the aim is to discern the intentions of the artist. This involves delving into the artist's background,
motivations, and the circumstances that led to the creation of the piece. It seeks to unveil the artistic journey
and the personal narrative embedded in the work.

**Mimetic Theory**
Mimetic theory is intimately connected with the universe, or the subject matter of the piece. It involves a
deep dive into the reflection of the imperfect real world within the creative or imaginative world. The term
"mimetic" refers to the idea that this creative world mirrors elements of the material world, thus establishing
a profound jconnection between the two. In essence, the theory examines the thematic content of the piece
and how it mirrors, interprets, or responds to aspects of the real world. It's a form of thematic analysis that
looks at the themes and subject matter within the work.

To illustrate this with an example, let's consider a **poem presented in the form of music**. When analyzed
using the **pragmatic theory**, the focus is on your opinion, response, or perspective as an audience
member. How does the music make you feel, and what is your emotional response?

**Objective Theory**
The objective theory centers on the work itself. It involves an analysis of the intrinsic qualities of the piece,
the structure, and the attributes that make it unique. Before addressing any extrinsic questions about the
piece, you must first understand what makes it the piece it is. What defines it? What constitutes its essence?
This theory dives into the piece's characteristics and attributes, focusing on what makes it distinct.

For example, if you were to analyze a drawing using objective theory, the examination would focus on the
components of the work itself: the choice of colors, the lines, the use of space, and the overall composition.
What makes this drawing a unique work of art is the intrinsic quality of these elements and their
arrangement.

Sigmund Freud, often referred to as the father of Psycho-Analysis, was among the pioneering psychologists
to explore human motivation.

**Understanding Our Knowledge**

Why do we know what we know? What drives our current thoughts? Why do we exhibit our present
behavior? According to Sigmund Freud, our nature and nurture play significant roles in shaping who we are.

**Distinguishing Nature and Nurture**

Nature pertains to our genetics and biological makeup, while nurture relates to the influences of our society
and environment.

**The Impact of Society and Environment**

Our society and environment wield considerable influence over our thought processes and lifestyles. Yet,
our current personalities result from a complex interplay between nature and nurture. This could involve
biological factors as well as the societal and environmental aspects of our upbringing. For instance, the way
we dress is often a product of societal influence, representing nurture, while our eye color is a matter of
nature.

Sigmund Freud emphasized that both nature and nurture significantly affect our development. He
categorized mental ideologies as elements of nurture, suggesting that mental illness is not predetermined by
nature alone.

**Exploring Motivation**
But why do we act the way we do? What propels us to learn, think, and behave as we do? Our behaviors are
deeply rooted in our upbringing and the society that shapes us. Our thought processes and ideologies are
products of societal influences, a key facet of nurture, often stemming from the people who've influenced us.

Motivation, which plays a crucial role in our lives, also finds its roots in society. It's what compels us to act,
to learn, and to grow. In many ways, our motivations are intertwined with the societal expectations and
values that surround us.

**Humans vs. Animals: A Distinctive Trait**

While animals respond instinctively, humans differ significantly in their responses. We are distinct from
animals because we act based on reason. This capacity for logical thinking sets us apart. However, the
presence of desires, emotions, and feelings can lead us to behave irrationally.

**The Impact of Nature and Nurture**

In essence, our growth and development are profoundly influenced by two aspects: our environment and our
genetics. Animals act on instinct, whereas humans act based on reasoning. The power of human thought
allows us to engage in logical processes, yet desires, emotions, and feelings sometimes lead to irrational
behavior.

**The Trio of Influences: ID, Ego, and Superego**

Freud's psychoanalysis introduced three core aspects that influence our behavior:

1. **ID**: This is the primal part of the mind, driven by basic biological and instinctual needs. It seeks
immediate gratification, often disregarding societal norms and consequences.
2. **Ego**: Operating as the rational and realistic part of the mind, the ego strives to balance the demands
of the ID with external realities. It seeks to fulfill the ID's desires in ways that are both socially acceptable
and practical.

3. **Superego**: Representing our internalized moral values and societal norms, the superego acts as our
conscience, aiming to uphold ethical standards. It can sometimes conflict with the ID's desires, leading to
feelings of guilt or shame regarding certain behaviors.
In conclusion, Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory explores the intricate interplay of nature and nurture
in shaping human behavior. These three aspects—ID, ego, and superego—continuously interact to shape our
personalities and guide our actions, reflecting the complexities of human nature.