Lit.

1- PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Unit 1- Introduction to Literature

Activity 1-Getting to know Literature

Accomplish the K-W-L chart writing what you know, you want to know and what you will
learn about literature. Work on the first two columns of the chart before reading theunit,
and work on the third column after reading.

What to KBOW What you want to What you Learned

KNOW

Lesson 1: Nature and meaning of Literature

The moment you pick up a book and turn its pages, it is the moment that encounter
literature. Literature is our connection with our own human experience of life. It is the
creative representation and reproduction of what we have lived in and for. It describes,
records and shares our experiences, hopes and desires to other people. It is us speaking
when we are out of words. An essay could be analyzing the different issues in the society:
the novel could be your subconscious retelling the memories you have suppressed: the
poem could be your emotions flowing out of your body.

Literature comes from the Latin word ”Literatura”, which means “ writing forms
with letters” . However, literature is not only enclosed in that meaning. Literature is ,
organizes and sums anything and everything that reproduces life experiences. It collects,
organizes and sums up the entirety of humanity, occasionally adding more color to it. When
other people read literature, they are not just being told of stories; they are being shown
events, conflicts and perspectives, as if being physically present in the literature itself.
Lesson 2 : Elements of Literature
One can say that a certain literature has created a connection with reality when it has
effectively shown to the reader its message through the format and style that it has
chosen. Literature of all kinds could be read and analyzed by looking carefully at its most
basic elements. These are Form, Theme, characterization and style.

Form talks about the general about the general structure of literary piece. Form is the
first aspect of literature that attempts to connect with the readers. From the title of literary
work, to the way words or sentences creates a visual impact , every part of is literature.
Therefore, it is through form that the literature first communicates its message.

Any literature always has a unifying theme that holds all of its other elements in place.
It is subject of which literature revolves around. Literature is purposive. It draws in crowds
of readers who have the same reasons and goals. It unites people who share common life
experiences. Literature is created to share stories , ignite a passion, and thrust readers
forward to feel more of life.

Effective stories, be it a fantasy story or persuasive essay, are always being led by
effective characterizations. Characters in literature could be products of the writer’s
Imagination, or they could be the very compelling point of view that the writer thinks in.
Great characterization is achieved when one drops on his or her stereotypical views of the
world, and grabs the more relatable and vulnerable persons that stand out.

Lastly , when we talk about style, we are referring to the. specific techniques and
designs that a literary writer employs to prolong his or her grip to the readers interest. The
play in words and the skill in storytelling of the writer comprise of his or her style. It is
through the individual efforts of writers to improve and develop their style that literature
continues to live, even in this reality of the modern age.

Lesson 3: Types of Literature

Literature is of mainly two types. Fiction Literature talks about imaginary characters,
settings and stories. Non fiction Literature on the other hand , talks about the reality of
things , places and people, and building on facts. Creative Nonfiction literature, while
employing the use of Fiction Literature’s style and characteristics . It has become popular in
the form of memoirs and journalism articles.

Among the common forms of literature across types are:

 Drama is a created literature to be performed and witness by audience. This

literature is intended for theatres and is performed by actors by donning costumes
and props, and scenes” . A drama is divided into “acts” and scenes, forming a text
filled with dialogues and stage directors for the actors movements.
* Novel is an extended story , usually arranged in brevity fiction themes. Novels could
present various themes organized in chapters and sometimes volumes.
 * Short story is a story arranged in brevity, in comparison with a novel. Short stories
are more creatively crafted than novels but lack specific and minute details.

 Poetry is a form of literature that uses more expressive words , like figures of
speech, and creating structures in conveying its message. Most poems are intended
to be read aloud , however , unlike the drama, poems are usually intended to
specific person, or its only meant to be heard and generalize . Poetry is the
expression of writers emotions. Poetry stands out from the other literary forms as it
has, the most of the time, meter, rhyme and rhythm.

 Essay is a literary form intended to be read, if not addressed to an specific audience

Essay are mostly built upon facts and general knowledge. It is one literary form that
focuses on analyzing and critiquing issues.

 Epic is a literary form that is slowly becoming extinct, if not rare. In structure, epic
combines both drama and a narrative story. It also has an element of songs in it as
most epics were sung in the old times.

Lesson 4 : Contemporary Forms of Literature

Besides Creative Non Fiction Literature, there are other contemporary literary of
forms that came about because of the developments in technology. The use of the
internet as a medium to showcase literature has helped created different literary types
involving web sharing and reading, The context of the fast changing period of the 21 st
century has also contributed to the creation of short but detail- filled literary texts.

 Hyperpoetry or sometimes called “ Cyberpoetry” presents poem that includes verses

or lines linked through hyperlink mark ups. This type of poetry is very visual, as it
oftentimes uses graphics to further convey the meaning. The links in this type
Of poem suggest that that the reading of the poem is highly dependent on the
reads, as they are ones clicking the links in the mark up.

 Blog. From the words “ web log” ia a website created to contain and manage user-
made articles or posts that are updated regularly. This is a good medium for writers
to share their opinions and experiences to a bigger audience and , at the same , is a
good channel to read other ideas as well.

 Text Tula is a poem produced and shared through the use of a mobile phone’s
messaging application. Usually, these poems are either in the form of “ tanaga”,
Filipino poem consisting of four lines with seven syllables each with a rhyme scheme
of AABB. The developed Text Tula freely uses other dual rhymes forms.

 Chick Lit is a genre of fiction that was made popular in the late 1990’s. It generally
talks about women and their different struggles, specifically staged modern times.
Themes in this writing genre are treated humorously and lightly.
  Flash Fiction is a fiction genre that presents one- sitting- long-of- reading texts. The
longest text in the genre of flash fiction is only said to be 1000-words.

Activity 2 : From the list of common forms of the two types of Literature, give one
example of it and explain or summarize its content.

Activity 3: Identifying the Elements and Forms of Literature

Identify the elements and the forms of literature that are described in the
following statements . Write your answer on the blanks.

The element of literature that refers to the subject and to the

1. universal message of every literature.
This element of literature pertains to the structure of literature or
2. how it is written.
The literary elements pertains to the technique of the author to
engage the reader , sustain the interest, and leave an impact on
3. the reader.
This element of literature refers to the to the use of the
participants in the story that are relatable yet at the same time
4. interesting.
This type of literature combines the form of fiction and
nonfiction literature in which the structure is that of nonfiction
literature while employing the use of fiction literature style and
5. characteristics.
This form of literature employs specific or non specific meter,
6. rhyme, rhythm and figurative devices.
This form of literature is a long work of fiction that presents
7. multiple themes and other elements in chapters.
This form of literature is meant to be performed in front of
audience and this utilizes scripts , staging, props , rehearsals and
8 the lines.
From the term itself, this form of literature is a very work of
fiction that can be read in one sitting.
9.
This contemporary form of literature tackles issues about
10. women ‘s struggles, status and roles.

Submit your Activity/ Answer sheets in Long bond paper placed in Long Plastic envelop.
Submit these plastic envelopes at the MDC Entrance . Drop box is there . Just ask the
guard to please drop your activity envelop in our box.
 Outline of Literary Forms Based on Philippine Historical Periods
A. Ancient Literature/ Folk literature
1.Myth- a traditional story in prose concerning the details of gods
and demigod and the creation of the world and its inhabitants.
Examples: 1. Visayan Creation Myth
2.Bagobo Creation Myth
3. Tungkung Langit and Alunsina

2. Heroic Narratives or epics- folk epics which narrates the

adventures of tribal heroes which embody themselves the values
and values of the group.
Examples: 1. Lam=ang
2.Ulalim
3.Ibalon
4.Indarapatra and Sulayman
3. Ethiological Legends- legends which explain how things came to
be , why things as they are.
1. Legend of Mayon Volcano
2. Legend of Tagalog
3.Gaddang
4.Folk Tales – prose narrative regarded as
a. Animal Tale- a folktale using animal as character
1. The Monkey and the Crocodile
2. The Cow and the Carabao
b. Folk Speech- simplest form of oral literature.