Lecture Notes: The Role of Literature

Introduction

• Literature: A form of human expression.
• Importance: Acts as a mirror of society, transmitting knowledge, ideas, and feelings.

Literature in the Philippines

• Colonial Influence:
  • Predominantly filled with legends and tales due to Spanish colonial legacies.
• Bybayin Script:
  • Used since 1521 to write about legends in Luzon.

Propaganda Movement

• Definition: First Filipino nationalist movement.
• Influences: Inspired by figures like Jose Burgos.
• Objective: Reforms in the Philippines.
• Key Figures:
  • Jose Rizal
  • Marcelo Del Pilar
  • Graciano Lopez Jaena
• Forms of Expression:
  • Books, leaflets, newspaper articles.
• Famous Works:
  • Noli Me Tangere: Exposed societal evils.
  • El Filibusterismo: Sequel that exposed governmental and church evils.
  • Mi Último Adiós: A poem by Rizal while imprisoned.

Revolutionary Movement

• Nature: Attempt to change government/society through violence.
• Goal: Complete independence from Spain.
• Important Event: Philippine Revolution began on August 24, 1896.
• Catalyst: Discovery of the Katipunan, an anti-colonial secret organization.

Literature’s Role in the Revolutionary Movement

• Usage: Medium to spread and promote resistance against Spaniards.
• Example: "Ang Kalayaan" newspaper published revolutionary articles.

Conclusion

• Literature's Impact:
  • Exhibits history and hope.
  • Acts as a form of communication and art.
  • Provides a window into other people's lives.
  • Offers non-verbal expression and historical recording.
• Significance Without Literature: Society would lack connection with its past.