Project In Literature Submitted by: Bugia, Selina Venise D. MT11122
Development of Philippine Poetry in English In 1898, the U.S. president William McKinley (1843-1901) announced that it was the United States' moral duty to take possession of the Philippine Islands because the Filipinos had to be civilized, educated, and Christianized. After U.S. soldiers "pacified" the native population during the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), thousands of U.S. teachers were sent throughout the archipelago to teach the Filipinos the English language. In just a few years, English became the privileged form of expression for poets, prose writers, and dramatists. The earliest Filipino poems written in English were published in 1905 in Berkeley, California, in The Filipino Students' Magazine, which was edited by pensionados (Philippine-American government scholars). The first book of poetry written in English, Azucena (1925) by Marcelo De Gracia Concepcion (1895-1954), was published in the United States by G. P. Putnam's Sons. The most influential Filipino poet, Jose Garcia Villa (1908±1997), lived most of his adult life in New York City. His books are Have Come, Am Here (Viking Press, 1942), Volume Two (New Directions, 1949), and Selected Poems and New (McDowell, Obolensky, 1958). Another early immigrant Filipino poet was Carlos Bulosan (1911±1956), who published political poems in American magazines like The New Yorker, Poetry (edited by Harriet Monroe) and Saturday Evening Post. In Manila in 1940, the Commonwealth Literary Prize in English poetry was given to Rafael Zulueta Da Costa (1915-1990) for Like the Molave and Other Poems. Native themes were well represented by such local poets.
The Rural Maid By Fernando M. Maramag
The poem is about a man who has been in love with a fair maid. He fell in love with her the first time they met. Their eyes glanced at each other and he was smitten by her charm. But despite of his endearment to her, her heart doesn’t belong to him - this left some pain in his heart. The poem revolves in a hopeless dreamer’s passion for a girl he could, and never would, own. They parted and never crossed paths again. But the memory of the maid kept hunting him even if he is sleeping. In his every dream, the image of the rural maid is always there. Thinking about her became his past time ever since. He always thinks about the moment their lips met for a sweet and warm kiss. He expresses his love, though it is only a one-sided love affair. The reader can feel his sacrifice, a potion of which hope and eternal damnation mix. But even this love is hurting him, just like how the thorns from a rose hurt the skin; he will still continue sacrificing. He says that if he could only hold her in his arms, heaven and earth would be his. It is his only happiness, his only desire – to love the rural maid he knew will never love him in the end.
Bringing the Dolls
By Merlie Alunan
The poem tries to tell a sad experience which is a story about a mother and child leaving someone close to their heart, probably the father. Dolls can be considered as a precious treasure of a child. As time goes by, she was so attached to it that the doll became a very important and special in her life. Two dolls were first described as in rags and tatters, meaning that they were worn out scrap and torn apart from love. Two dolls would also mean something which could be the relationship of the mother and father when they were complete and living happily together. But this relationship that bounds them together did not last long. That is why it was further described that dolls were missing an arm and a leg and blind in one eye, which would possibly refer to a broken family that were frayed apart. Letting go came in by using symbols in language. Suitcases and bags are used for carrying personal belongings during a journey. Here it connotes leaving away. In life, our actions have consequences and sometimes we have to risks a little. In the last stanza, the author stated about the burdens that the mother and child will encounter. The child was silent because she was also affected with what had happened. The child would be more affected with the breakup of their family. On the other hand, the child has her true rights. She has the right to know the whole truth or maybe to the extent of choosing between her mother and father. The trust and complete acceptance of truth also depends solely on the child, not on her mother.
Moonlight on Manila Bay
By Fernando Maramag
The poem reflects the emotion of the persona who, as can be concluded in the first few lines of the poem, is most likely describing how the Manila Bay looks like during nighttime. Or perhaps, the persona is simply recalling the breathtaking seascape from memory and retelling it – either way, there is the concept of reminiscence and appreciation. The tone changed from that of a praise of beauty to a subtle tone of the reminiscence of a painful memory. It is not necessary, however, that the persona was hurt while illustrating to the reader that particular scene in the Manila Bay. It depends entirely on how one chooses to view the emotions written with the descriptions. East and West refer to both the Spanish and the American forces who dueled for the Philippines’ freedom from the former. Meanwhile, Oly mpia may have become a
collective that Maramag used for describing the might of the American forces in freeing the Filipinos from Spanish rule. Perhaps the intention of Maramag in writing this poem about a particular event in the history of the Philippines is to remind the Filipinos not to forget such a glorious moment in the past. This intention is parallel to the sentiments of the first eight lines in which a breathtaking moonlight scene in the historical location of the Manila Bay is unforgettable and should not be forgotten at the very least.
The Dreamer’s Heritage
By Fernando Maramag
The poem talks about a dreamer whose art (music and poetry) is thought of as a heritage which the speaker is happy to inherit. The dreamer’s art is a treasure for the
persona that brings joy into his soul. Dulce et Utile can be considered as a main theme revolving in this poem. Dulce et Utile is a Latin word for sweet and useful. As implied by the speaker, truth is found in art and serves as inspirations which can influence an individual to perceive things in nature in a more profound way. the speaker shares his opinion of both science and philosophy as lesser than that of art because only art can reach into the depth and core of man’s soul. In the last stanza, Maramag reveals his
intentions for writing the poem that a reader may conclude. The message underlying the last stanza and the whole poem itself is the appreciation for art that Maramag, as a poet, wants the people to have. Going back in history during the struggle for independence, the cry of the Philippines for a revolution was voiced out through poems, stories, and even songs. As S.P. Lopez said, “First, the pen was lifted in the air, then the sword.” It is because of our history and legacy
intertwined with art that helped us become who we are today as a nation that Maramag urges the importance of art as an end and as a means of achieving an end.
And If the Heart Cannot Love
By Jose Garcia Villa
In this poem, the persona speaks of what will happen “if the heart cannot love”.
The heart becomes incurably numb, numb to all the beauty that surrounds it. I place value in this poem for it makes us realize that it is not the heart that molds love, it is love that gives meaning to the heart. This also proves that “ it is better to have love and lost, than never to have loved at all”.
The poem speaks of those people who have already given up on love. It tells us that their lives can never be happy and colorful without the people that will nurture and guide them. I find it meaningful because I believe in what the poem speaks. It reminds me that living a life without love, even for one's family and friends, is really not living at all.
Development of Philippine Short Stories in English
Period of Imitation (1908 – 1924)
English is the medium of instruction. English became the greatest agent in the modernization and democratization of the Filipino people. It is the period of orientation because the people had to orient themselves to the new concept of democracy and to the new psychology and phraseology of the English speech. The writers had to learn the English standards of literary style and to be adapted to the directions of English expression.
Period of Experimentation and Self-Assertion (1925 – 1935)
Early Filipino writers had become masters of the craft of English writing. The introduction of advanced studies of literature and composition at the University of the Philippines to the incentives to literary writing given by the newspaper and magazines, to the awards given to the winners of literary contests, to the prizes awarded to the best literary pieces, and to the organization of literary clubs and societies. This period is characterized by the appearance of promising writers who succeeded in joining the earlier ones in cultivating the story writing art.
Period of Greater Self-Assertion (last war – present)
A period when literary excellence flourish and the writers were given freedom to write. There were about 250 writers of Filipino writing in English, both in the quality of writers and in the quantity of their literary works.
Wedding Dance
By Amador Daguio
A. CHARACTERS 1. Lumnay – a woman who was left by her husband because he had to marry another woman/ Developing 2. Awiyao- the husband / Flat 3. Madulimay – Awiyao’s – Awiyao’s new wife / Flat B. PLOT - Linear a) Introduction : The story opens with Awiyao entering his and Lumnay’s house. b) Rising Action : Things start to heat up when Lumnay says she does not want any
other man. c) Climax: There is more intensity when Awiyao says he does not want any other
woman. d)
Falling action: But they both have to follow their tribe’s tradition.
e)
Denouement : Awiyao has to go back to the wedding dance.
C. Setting: Mountains D. Point of view: Third person E. Theme: True love never dies. F. Conflict: Man vs. society - The lead characters have to follow their tribe’s custom .
May Day Eve
By Nick Joaquin
Badoy and Agueda fell into the trap of the May Day Eve, wherein they saw it as fate, only to be duped in the end by the circumstance of their relationship. However, they failed to see that it was how they saw their relationship to begin with, that caused them to be the devil/witch in their mirror that night. Love is a splendid thing: it just happens. That is how it had happened for Badoy and Agueda. But as the honeymoon stage ended, they both felt what was missing, and in turn grew to hate each other.
Badoy and Agueda both saw the worst in each other whenever they told their children the story of that fateful night. They chose to see the worst, but in the end, it can be seen that they were in love. The worst in each other only came out when they chose to see it that way. And remembering how she had sobbed so piteously; remembering how she had bitten his hand and fled and how he had sung aloud in the dark room and surprised his heart in the instant of falling in love: such a grief tore up his throat and eyes that he felt ashamed before the boy; pushed the boy away; stood up and looked out.
Regret comes to Badoy in the end, when he realized what he had lost. However, in the way he chose to see Agueda, he loved her in the end. The realization may have come too late. Yet the May Day Eve can be seen as a blessing for the both of them. For they both loved each other, even though they failed to realize it.
The Virgin
By Kerima Polotan Tuvera
A. CHARACTERS 1. Ms. Mijares- She is a virgin who lives a dull life and behaves with stiffness and aloofness. 2. The carpenter- He applied to the agency where Ms. Mijares works. He is the one who will fulfill the desire of Ms. Mijares. B. PLOT - Linear a) Introduction : The story opens with the job interview of the carpenter with Ms.
Mijares. b) Rising Action : When the carpenter was hired at Ms. Mijares’ agency, she is
unwittingly drawn to the man. c) Climax: When the carpenter didn’t submit his report on the deadline, Ms. Mijares got angry. The carpenter’s excuse was about his son and Ms. Mijares was surprised to
know that he is married; though, the man said he is not married but he has a son. d)
Falling action: After the confrontation, the two find themselves stranded on an
unknown street in the rain. e)
Denouement : Ms. Mijares allows herself to be led by her feelings for the carpenter.
C. Setting: Office and street. D. Point of view: Third person E. Theme: Love F. Conflict: Man vs. herself
Anabella By Magdalena Julandoni
A. CHARACTERS 1. Anabella- a woman fighting for her right to love and be loved by somebody. 2. Tito- Anabella’s love interest. 3. Julia- made some influencing talks to Tito that made him agree to follow his dream and leave Anabella. B. PLOT - Linear a) Introduction :
Tito requested Anabella to sing because he was captivated to her her
voice. The lady granted the man’s request.
sing Action: Anabella received a letter coming from Tito that is saying that he will b) Ri sing bid farewell for he will pursue of his parents wish to fly to America. c) Climax: There is a grand party on Anabella’s house for the Christmas night. Lirio
Aguilar stood up and introduced Tito Navarro wherein Anabella was one of the audiences. d)
Falling action: There is a confrontation between Anabella and Tito expressing their
hope and love for each other during the Christmas night. e)
Denouement : They got married that coincide with the feast of the Three Kings.
Anabella received a letter from Julia begging for forgiveness. C. Setting: Don Juan’s palatial house D. Point of view: Omniscient (Third person) E. Theme: Fighting for Love F. Conflict: Man vs. man
The Mats By Francisco Arcellana
A. CHARACTERS 1. Mr. Angeles- the one who brought mats for his family and his dead siblings. 2. Nana Emilia- possess strong determination over the sadness on her sibling’s death B. PLOT - Linear a) Introduction :
Mr. Angeles came home for his periodic inspection trip. He had had
written in Mariveles to Nana Emilia that he has a surprise to him that he bought mats that are made by an artistic craftsman at this area. b) Ri sing sing Action: Mr. Angeles is giving his surprised gift to the whole family. The
siblings were very excited to get their gifts. Each mat is named. c) Climax: They all get the mats but there are 3 remaining mats that must be unfolded.
Mr. Angeles unfolded it one by one and he speaks in a loud voice that he offers this simple mats to his 3 dead siblings. d)
Falling action: Nana Emilia and Mr. Angeles argues about this sensitive issue that
they must forget already because they are dead but Mr. Angeles is so stubborn that he emphasized that these children must not be taken for granted. e)
Denouement : There was a total silence on the house. Then the mats were
unfolded and each name was slowly revealed. C. Setting: Mariveles D. Point of view: Omniscient (Third person) E. Theme: Paternity Love F. Conflict: Character vs. himself
Development of Philippine Drama in English
Period of Greater Self-Assertion
This period started in 1945 and still continues until today.
Philippine drama in English is believed to have come to its own form during this period. Interest in theater and playwrighting has increased after the World War II.
The Don Carlos Palanca Award which offers substantial prizes and awards in literary contests continues to stimulate lots of Filipino playwrights.
The Arena Theater of the Philippine Normal College (PNC) directed by Dr. Severino Montano and financed by the Rockefeller Foundation conducts periodic contests for the best Filipino drama and plays.
Alberto Florentino says that “The Arena Theater, supported by the Rockefeller
Foundation for nine solid years, started as the most promising group in the development of a national theater in the grass roots areas.”
New Yorker in Tondo
By Marcelino Agana, Jr. The story is about a girl named Kikay who went to New York to study Hair Culture and Beauty Science. Upon going home after a year, she acquires all the New Yorkish things like style, language, looks and manner. She even influenced her mother with her way of living. Tony visited her for he heard that Kikay has already arrived. Tony was Kikay’s
sweetheart and they got secretly engaged before Kikay left. While waiting for Kikay to wake up, Totoy and Nena also came. Totoy and Nena were also Kikay’s and Tony’s
childhood friend. Upon waking up, Kikay immediately entertained her friends. They are all shock of what they’ve seen. Kikay was transformed into a different girl. She doesn’t
want to be called as Kikay instead she wants everybody to call her Francesca. She tells them everything she experienced in New York and she even keep on comparing New York from Tondo. When Kikay and Tony had the chance to be alone, Tony was trying to open the issue of them being engaged before she left. But Kikay didn’t want to listen;
instead she keeps on ignoring Tony and even told him that being engaged to him is just a childish act. Tony gets irritated of what Kikay acted, so he confronts her, reprimands her and tell her that New York didn’t bring her any good. Kikay realizes everything that
Tony said. She asks for forgiveness and promises him that she will go back to her original self. She even said that Francesca is d ead and who’s standing in front of him is Kikay. Tony forgave her and they went back to each other’s arms.
Wanted: A Chaperone
By Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Type: English Comedy Characters: Don Francisco, Doña Petra, Nena, Robertring, Doña Dolores, Fred Setting: living room of Don Francico’s house (one of the major characters) Plot: The play is about the traditional way of courting and accompanying girls on a party and in other occasions. The portrayal of old customs is seen visibly in the play. Don Francisco, one of the major characters is strict with his daughter Nena. He doesn’t want Nena go outside for any occasions without any chaperon. One night, Nena goes out with Fred, her friend. Unfortunately, rumors right after their date are spread. Many people think that something bad is happened to the two of them. And for the townspeople it’s inevitable. Until Dona Dolores, mother of Fred goes to Nena’s house
and she is insisting that something is happened to his son and to Nena. It is Dona Dolores’ pl an to insist his son Fred to Nena but actually, nothing is really happened. The
same situation is happened also to Roberting, son of Don Francisco. So to avoid these issues Don Francisco and Dona Dolores look for chaperons for their children to guide them instead of the muchacho.
The Portrait of an Artist as Filipino By Nick Joaquin Set in the Filipino world of pre -World War II Intramuros of Old Manila in October 1941, the play explores the many aspects of Philippine high society by telling the story of the Marasigan sisters, Candida and Paula, and their father, the painter Don Lorenzo Marasigan. Due to an artistic drought on Don Lorenzo's part, the family has to make ends meet by relying on the financial support provided by their brother Manolo and sister Pepang, who were urging them to sell the house. Later on, they also had to take a male boarder, in the person of Tony Javier. Don Lorenzo, who refused to sell, donate, or even exhibit his self-portrait in public, was only constent in staying inside his room, a stubbornness that already took a period of one year. The painting has attracted the attention and curiosity of journalists such as a family friend named Bitoy Camacho, and other obnoxious visitors pretending as art critics. When one of the daughters, Paula, elopes with Tony, a journey of personal liberation is set in motion, which ends with a restoration of family relations which had been strained due to the neediness of the artist's family. She also felt regret after destroying the portrait. The theme focuses on family conflict and the amalgamation of old Filipino identity and cultural character with the arrival of contemporary and Western ideals.
The World is an Apple By Alberto Florentino Can one man's world revolve in an apple? Can all his flaws be magnified a million times beyond the naked eyes? Can he see his mistakes no matter how he avoid confronting his own conscience? This is a story of how wrong decisions become greater burdens to a family. Mario’s family happens to be in the lower bracket of society. He cannot even provide for his family’s basic needs. Despite all this hardships, his wife Gloria, still manages to
keep her good virtuous. She insists that the way they are living is a much better than the one they will have if they do wrong acts. But Gloria’s entire constant reminder to
Mario did not prosper. Mario decided to come back to his old life of crime when he lost his job when he tried to steal an apple for his daughter. He keeps on insisting that his priority is to provide what his wife and daughter needs. He left with Pablo, his old crime buddy, even if Gloria pleaded very hard for him not to go with the man. This is a sad representation of what is happening in the society today. Due to lack of better opportunities to heighten one’s standard of living, some become entangled
with the wrong crowd. By doing so, these individuals individuals do not help their family at all; instead, they end up worsening their family’s problem. It is man’s basic instinct that drives him towards his survival. But, no matter what, he should not forget that society expects him to conform to its norms. One’s action is weighed right or wrong and thus should be kept towards the proper action.
References: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Literature/Poems/Others/The%20Rural%20Maid.htm http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Literature/Poems/Others/if_the_heart_can_not_love.htm http://guialimbaga.weebly.com/the-dreamers-heritage.html
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Literature/Short%20Stories/Wedding%20Dance.htm
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Literature/Short%20Stories/May%20Day%20Eve.htm
http://pinoylit.blogspot.com/2005/03/virgin-by-kerima-polotan-tuvera.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_you_have_a_script_of_new_yorker_in_tondo http://upreplib.tripod.com/chaperon.htm http://www.scribd.com/doc/27041924/A-PORTRAIT-OF-THE-FILIPINO-ARTIST-AS-AFILIPINO-First-Scene-Pl FILIPINO-First -Scene-Play-Nick-Joaqui ay-Nick-Joaquin n http://mahaliahscent-poetryonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/world-is-apple.html
