Chapter I

Introduction

Philippine literature is the literature associated with the Philippines and

includes the legends of prehistory, and the colonial legacy of the Philippines. Pre-

Hispanic Philippine literature were actually epics passed on from generation to

generation originally through oral tradition. world literature from antiquity through

the mid-17th century, including oral traditions, poetry, fiction, the essay, and drama.

Emphasis is placed on key ideas that express the commonality of the human spirit and

experience across cultures. Students read, analyze, and respond critically to texts in

class discussions, examinations, and essays. This course is an introduction to a wide

range of writings produced in different nations, languages and cultural contexts.

While this course cannot claim to cover all literary traditions from all time periods, it

does try to introduce the learners to representative texts that are available in English

language. The objective of the course is to focus on learning how great writings can

intervene and engage with global cultures while remaining rooted and situated in their

specific, local contexts. These discussions need to be seen as ‘entry points’ that would

enable to learners to explore world literatures.

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Background of the Study

Literature introduces us to new worlds of experience. We learn about books and

literature; we also learned about about the representative compositions like ; The

summer solstice, morning in nagrebcan, baliwayway, wedding dance and the beautiful

horse. and we may even grow and evolve through our literary journey with books.

Ultimately, we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the author says

and how he/she says it. We may interpret the author's message. In academic circles,

this decoding of the text is often carried out through the use of literary theory, using a

mythological, sociological, psychological, historical, or other approach.

In order to know the history of a nation’s spirit, one must read its literature. Hence it

is, that to understand the real spirit of a nation, one must “trace the little rills as they

course along down the ages, broadening and deepening into the great ocean of thought

which men of the present source are presently exploring.

Statement of the Problem

The essence of Understanding the representatives composition is to know tje other

seasons, our own kind of dance of wedding writing. Philippine Literature, where the

readers advocates learnings from Reading from history of books, videoa that they can

see how to do this things. Therefore that this will serve as guidelines on How they

know and understand the importance of this activities this literature. How important

in our life.

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 Chapter II

Body of the Report

REPRESENTATIVE COMPOSITIONS THROUGH THE YEARS

To the Filipino Youth

By: Dr Jose Rizal

Historical Background

Without a doubt, just like all the other poems conceived by our national hero Dr. Jose

P. Rizal, the poem "To the Filipino Youth" is a masterpiece worth reading and

comprehending for. While I was examining its every line, I was entirely amazed on

the three aspects that composed it: the manner of writing, the message it tries to stress,

and the sincerity if the poem. These aspects, I must say, were the principal strengths

of the poem; and the reasons why my attention was heavily caught through it. Without

a doubt, just like all the other poems conceived by our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal,

the poem "To the Filipino Youth" is a masterpiece worth reading and comprehending

for. While I was examining its every line, I was entirely amazed on the three aspects

that composed it: the manner of writing, the message it tries to stress, and the sincerity

of the poem.

These aspects, I must say, were the principal strengths of the poem; and the reasons

why my attention was heavily caught through it

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As to the manner of writing, if I were to base my judgments to the poem's English

translation, I can personally describe it as a "real poem"-that is, something that

beautifully incorporated the essential elements of poetry. When I was trying to read it

aloud, I felt like its rhythm sounded excellent and with drama.

That thing made me feel more eager to continue reading it. The meter of the poem

then followed a certain rule which I totally love for it showed the utmost effort of the

author. Moreover, the figures of speech such as personification, alliteration and

metaphor were somewhat perfectly laid down, making the poem more emotional,

appealing, deep and colorful. On the other hand, the rhyming of the words also

astonished me; the symbolisms then that were used such as the deities Phoebus and

Apelles as symbols of their respective realms, were superb for it made the poem have

a blending of Western and Eastern cultures.

As to the message the poem tries to convey, or in another way of saying, the theme of

the poem, "To the Filipino Youth" does carry a very strong one; strong enough to

persuade those who are to be persuaded-the Filipino youth themselves.

As one of those individuals, I could really feel the nationalistic spirit within me glow

brighter the moment I finished reading the poem. It was like telling me that I am one

of the existing hopes of our dear country and that through my abilities, expertise and

knowledge of things, I am capable of protecting its freedom against oppressive forces

that may come through. Furthermore, it was like telling me that together with my

4
fellow youths, I am responsible for preserving the Philippines as a nation not for the

foreigners but for me and the rest of the Filipinos

Finally yet most importantly, as to the sincerity of the poem, I can really consider "To

the Filipino Youth" as indeed a work from the heart-no pretense, no plasticity and no

sort of hidden motives. I can tell it so based on what I felt when I was reading the

poem and the emotions that were expressed on each of the poem's line. The fact that it

came out during the Spanish era was also another thing that made me think that way.

Conceiving a work that possesses an anti-Spain theme at that time would be a great

threat to the life of the author. But despite that, Dr. Jose Rizal fearlessly created it,

sticking to his nationalistic ideology no matter how dangerous the outcome would be

to him. With that, I can say that he truly had the sincerity of delivering the message to

the young Filipino people; and that this sincerity our national hero possessed can be

vividly sensed in the poem even at a glance.

Historical Background

Dr. Jose Rizal composed the poem, To The Filipino Youth, to the youth of the

Philippines. He wanted the Filipino youth to use their abilities and skills to excel not

only for their own success but also for the success of the country. Dr. Jose Rizal

wanted the Filipino youth to develop their talents and use them to help those who are

in need.

5
Paradox

The term paradox is from the Greek word paradoxon, which means “contrary to

expectations, existing belief, or perceived opinion.”

It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a

latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted

traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in

innovative way.

Examples of Paradox

Your enemy’s friend is your enemy.

I am nobody.

“What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young.” – George Bernard Shaw

Wise fool

Truth is honey, which is bitter.

“I can resist anything but temptation.” – Oscar Wilde

Examples of Paradox in Literature

In literature, paradox is not just a clever or comical statement or use of words.

Paradox has serious implications because it makes statements that often summarize

the major themes of the work they are used in. Let us analyze some paradox examples

from some famous literary works:

Example #1: Animal Farm (By George Orwell)

In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, one part of the cardinal rule is this statement:

6
“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

This statement seems to not make any sense. However, on closer examination, it

becomes clear that Orwell points out a political truth. The government in the novel

claims that everyone is equal, but it has never treated everyone equally. It is the

concept of equality stated in this paradox that is opposite to the common belief of

equality.

The Dead Face Of My Beloved

On The Death Of The Beloved

— John O’Donohue

Though we need to weep your loss,

You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,

Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn

Brightening over our lives

Awakening beneath the dark

A further adventure of colour.

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The sound of your voice

Found for us

A new music

That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze

Quickened in the joy of its being;

You placed smiles like flowers

On the altar of the heart.

Your mind always sparkled

With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,

Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer

From the old distance of our names;

Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,

As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,

We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,

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Smiling back at us from within everything

To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,

Where we would grow lonely without you.

You would want us to find you in presence,

Beside us when beauty brightens,

When kindness glows

And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,

Darkest winter has turned to spring;

May this dark grief flower with hope

In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.

To serve the call of courage and love

Until we see your beautiful face again

In that land where there is no more separation,

Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,

9
And where we will never lose you again.

History

“Beloved” was a triumph of the imagination, a book that followed in the tradition of

William Faulkner with a story as realized as its prose was incantatory. Imagining the

slain child, Morrison gave words to the ghost who lives in the company of her mother,

Sethe. “I am not dead,” says the child, known as Beloved

Historical Background

Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when

the Philippines was again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine

literature in English came to a halt. Except for the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE

REVIEW, almost all newspapers in English were stopped by the Japanese.

This had an advantageous effect on Filipino Literature, which experienced renewed

attention because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. Juan Laya, who use

to write in English turned to Filipino because of the strict prohibitions of the Japanese

regarding any writing in English. The weekly LIWAYWAY was placed under strict

surveillance until it was managed by Japanese named Ishiwara.

Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many wrote plays, poems,

short stories, etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.

10
Philippine Literature in English (1941-1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed b the Japanese in the writing and

publishing of works in English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark

period. The few who dared to write did so for their bread and butter or for

propaganda. Writings that came out during this period were journalistic in nature.

Writers felt suppressed but slowly, the spirit of nationalism started to seep into their

consciousness. While some continued to write, the majority waited for a better climate

to publish their works. Noteworthy writer of the period was Carlos P. Romulo who

won the Pulitzer Prize for his bestsellers I SAW THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES,

I SEE THE PHILIPPINES RISE and his MOTHER AMERICA AND MY

BROTHER AMERICANS

Historical Background

After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino which

started under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981. To

those in government, the lifting of military rule heralded a change. To their

perceptions, the Philippines became a new nation and this; former President Marcos

11
called “The New Republic of the Philippines.” A historian called this the Third

Republic. The First Republic he claimed was during the Philippine Republic of

Emilio Aguinaldo when we first got our independence form the Spaniards on June 12,

1898.

The Second was when the Americans granted us our independence on July 4, 1946.

This period, January 2, 1981, was the Third Republic when we were freed from

Military Rule. During this period, it cannot be denied that many people seethed with

rebellion and protest because of the continued oppression and suppression. This was

further aggravated when former Senator Benigno S. Aquno Jr., the idol of the Filipino

masses, whom they hoped to be the next president, was president, was brutally

murdered on August 21, 1983. This stage of the nation had its effect on our literature.

After the Aquino assassinated, the people’s voices could no long be contained. Both

the public and private sectors in government were chanting, and shouting; women,

men and the youth became bolder and their voices were raised in dissent. We can say

that Philippine literature, in spite of the many restrictions, still surreptitiously retained

its luster.

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 Chapter III

Summary and Conclusion

Summary

Literature helpds us to grow and learn . We learn about books and literature; we enjoy

the comedies and the tragedies of poems, stories, and plays; and we may even grow

and evolve through our literary journey with books.

Ultimately, we may discover meaning in sliterature by looking at what the author

says and how he/she says it. We may interpret the author's message. In academic

circles, this decoding of the text is often carried out through the use of literary theory,

using a mythological, sociological, psychological, historical, or other approach.

In order to know the history of a nation’s spirit, one must read its literature. Hence it

is, that to understand the real spirit of a nation, one must “trace the little rills as they

course along down the ages, broadening and deepening into the great ocean of thought

which men of the present source are presently exploring.”Brother Azurin, said that

“literature expresses the feelings of people to society, to the government, to his

surroundings, to his fellowmen and to his Divine Creator.

13
Conclusion

Therefore the researcher conclude that reading of and understand it in deaply poem

isn’t easy we can learn but cannot make without passion and willingness. In part of

that reading and understanding of story and poem and can lead us for happy life

meaning you precious minds are working and calibrating. Hence, the researcher wants

to advocates to read and read books.

And also the researcher conclude A poetry essay evaluates a poem. It analyzes the

words, sounds, feelings and topics that the poet uses in the poem. A poetry essay

should include analysis of the topic, message, rhythm and word choice. It should have

both an introduction and a conclusion.

Introduce your poem with an introductory paragraph. Write the title of the poem and

its author. Give a brief summary of the poem’s contents. A brief summary on Edgar

Allen Poe's "The Raven," for example, would state that the speaker of the poem is

longing for his lost love and becomes beguiled by a raven that speaks only one word,

"nevermore."

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 Chapter IV

Recommendation

Reading and understanding poem or stories it should be comprises in one topic only

and order to make the readers willingness to read make it catchy A poetry essay

should evaluates a poem. It analyzes the words, sounds, feelings and topics that the

poet uses in the poem. A poetry essay should include analysis of the topic, message,

rhythm and word choice. It should have both an introduction and a conclusion.

Introduce your poem with an introductory paragraph. Write the title of the poem and

its author. Give a brief summary of the poem’s contents. A brief summary on Edgar

Allen Poe's "The Raven," for example, would state that the speaker of the poem is

longing for his lost love and becomes beguiled by a raven that speaks only one word,

"nevermore."

Learn about books and literature, make it possible that the outcome of that topic will

relate the readers and listeners, in other to advocate then in a sense.

Make a masterpiece that will last forever and read by years to years so that the points

15
of your topic will remain in their mind but in their hearts. That would be the time that

you exell in ocordance to your path.

References

Books

Introduction to the Philippines Literature

Philippine literature History

Internets

https://literarydevices.net/paradox/

https://www.google.com/search?q=paradox&oq=paradox&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5

465j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.answers.com/Q/How_can_Dr_Jose_Rizal_Show_his_nationalism_in_th

e_poem_to_the_filipino_youth

https://www.answers.com/Q/Summary_of_to_the_filipino_youth_by_Jose_Rizal

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https://google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNS0yJrJnBjuvoOCJoJ9HSataJ8lJg:156836738

5204&q=summary+to+the+filipino+youth&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiEjP3mv83k

AhXTEnAKHY6xDtMQBQgvKAA&biw=1366&bih=635

https://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+the+dead+face+of+beloved&oq=hist

ory+of+the+dead+face+of+beloved&aqs=chrome..69i57j33.13599j0j4&sourceid=chr

ome&ie=UTF-8

http://sansoxygen.com/on-the-death-of-the-beloved/

Bibliography

Philippine literature is literature associated with the Philippines from prehistory,

through its colonial legacies, and on to the present. (Wikipidia.com)

Literacy is traditionally defined by dictionaries as as the ability to readand write.[1] In the

modern world, this is one way of interpreting literacy. One more broad interpretation sees

literacy as knowledge and competence in a specific area. . (Wikipidia.com)

Literature, most generically, is any body of written works. More restrictively, literature

refers to writing considered to be an art form or any single writing deemed to have artistic

or intellectual value, often due to deploying language in ways that differ from ordinary

usage. . (Wikipidia.com)

Poetry (the term derives from a variant of the Greek term, poiesis, "making") is a form
17
of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic[1][2][3]qualities of language—such

as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in

place of, the prosaicostensible meaning. . (Wikipidia.com)

History (from Greek ἱστορία, historia, meaning 'inquiry; knowledge acquired by

investigation')[2] is the past as it is described in written documents, and the study

thereof.[3][4] Events occurring before written records are considered prehistory. "History" is

an umbrella term that relates to past events as well as the memory, discovery, collection,

organization, presentation, and interpretation of information about these events.q

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