Halog, Loremar Ellen Dacumos

BSA- 3

Know more about the Philippine Literature

1. Various meaning of literature
- Literature is defined as books and other written works, especially those
considered having creative or artistic merit or lasing value.
- “literature/litteratura” a Latin word of literature (derived from itself
littera: letter or handwriting)

2. Why do we study literature?

- Literature is one way for us to hear the voices of the past and work with
the present. It is a way for the present to connect to the possible future.
We learn about history we didn’t experience. We learn to think outside
the literal box by reading. We can also relate to a character, real or
fictional, that may have or is going through an experience like us. Or who
is going through an experience that we would like to have. Or through
experience that we would like to avoid.

3. Importance of studying Philippine Literature

- Studying Philippine literature in English is important because these are
reflections of history. Works of art and literature are not separate from
history.
- It gives us a brief and fleeting landscape of the literary milieu since after
the World War II.
- Gives readers knowledge of the country and its culture and traditions,
allowing natives and foreigners the ability to understand Philippine
history.
- We can preserve the literature we have today

4. Chronological divisions of literature

a.) Prose
- It doesn’t make use of rhyme at all. It is generally concerned with the
presesntation of an idea, concept or point of view in a more ordinary and
leisurely manner.
- The purpose of prose is to furnish information, instruction or
enlightenment. It appeals to the intellect.
 FICTION NON - FICTION
LEGEND BIOGRAPHY
SHORT STORY HISTORY
NOVEL NEWS
FABLE DIARY
ANECDOTE
PARABLE
ESSAY
NOVELLA

b.) Poetry
- It may or may not use rhyme, as ordinarily it does not in blank and free
verse. It expresses a strong emotion or a lofty thought compressed and
intense utterance.
- The main purpose of poetry is to provide pleasure and delight. It appeals
to the emotion and imagination.
LYRIC
NARRATIVE DRAMATIC
SONG
EPIC TRAGEDY
ODE
BALLAD
SONNET COMEDY
METRICAL TALE
ELEGY MELODRAMA
IDYLL FARCE
SOCIAL PLAY

5. Kinds of Fiction
Mysteries
Usually a novel (or story) is about someone trying to solve a crime, usually
murder. Most mystery novels create suspense around the question
"Whodonit" and answer that question at the end. There is a puzzle element
to mysteries, as the reader tries to figure out the solution along with the main
character or sleuth.
Suspense/Thriller
While the focus of a mystery is usually on finding out who the criminal is,
suspense fiction and thrillers are often focused on characters trying to stop a
criminal or avoid becoming a victim. There is a sense of danger in these stories
which gets readers' adrenaline pumping.
Romance
Romance is one of the bestselling genres. The traditional romance plot is
about two people who are meant to be together but have a major obstacle in the
way. Readers root for the characters to overcome the obstacle and fall into each
other's arms.
Romance novels generally have upbeat endings. For commercial reasons,
most romance novels are written from the viewpoint of a female character.
Horror
The point of most horror fiction is to scare the reader. It's a kind of dare
where readers choose to face their worst nightmares.
Some horror fiction emphasizes blood and guts and tries to create a feeling
of disgust. Other horror stories are subtly creepy. Often, there is a supernatural
element such as monsters or ghosts.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Science fiction and fantasy are two types of what is known as speculative
fiction, which takes place in an alternative reality.
In science fiction, the alternative reality is based on known rules of science.
Often, science fiction is set in the future or on another planet.
Fantasy writing imagines a world where magic exists. Fantasy novels often
take place in medieval times or involve fairy-tale elements.
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is set in a past time period (usually more than fifty years
before it was written). It's an opportunity for readers to experience time travel.
Writing historical fiction requires a lot of research in order to get the details
right in your story: how people lived, how they dressed, the objects they had in
their homes, and so on..

6. Elements of short story

CHARACTER - A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal,
who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work.
SETTING- The setting of a short story is the time and place in which it
happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings,
seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
PLOT- A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the
central conflict.
CONFLICT- The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a
short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict.
 On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important
character, against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something
inside him or her (feelings, emotions, illness).
THEME- The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.

7. Summary of “ How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife”

The story started when Leon and his younger brother were both
waiting for the arrival of Leon's wife, Maria, riding in a carretela. As Baldo
saw his older brother's wife, he described her as lovely, tall, and beautiful.
He narrated their journey to Nagrebcan, their hometown. Leon wondered
why Baldo drove them to the Waig instead on the Camino Real. Baldo
answered that he drove them to the Waig because their father told him to
follow the Waig. The Waig route served as a test for the wife to see if she
could really live in a province which was very different in a life in a city
where she lived. While travelling, Maria described the place of Leon as
clean, and free of dust and smoke. Maria admitted of having some fears if
the father of Leon would not accept her as to be his daughter-in-law
because she may not able to survive the life in the province. When they got
home, Leon's family talked to Maria. Baldo and his father had a
conversation about what had happened while they were travelling. The
father asked Baldo if Maria was afraid in their place. Baldo answered that
Maria was not afraid and instead she enjoyed the journey.
I like the story because it taught me about respect and acceptance of
one's life. In order to have a harmonious and long-lasting relationship you
must show respect to each other and the family. And if you really love a
person you should accept who he/she is, and what he/she is.
The writing style of the author was good because he used figurative
languages which made the story more interesting, convincing, and
beautiful. The message of the story was easy to understand because it was
clear and concise. The characters of the story were presented well of what
were their roles. The flow or the plot or the scenes in the story were
organized. The words used were appropriate. The story also taught us
many moral lessons in life like one may have to sacrifice small part of one’s
life in order to be happy.