1. Social Realism:
* This approach aimed to portray the realities of Philippine society during the time, focusing on the struggles of the marginalized, the effects of poverty and inequality, and the injustices perpetrated by the Marcos regime.
* Key writers:
* Lualhati Bautista: Known for her novels like "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?" (Child, Child, How Were You Made?) and "Dekada '70," which depicted the lives of ordinary Filipinos during Martial Law.
* Amado V. Hernandez: A prolific writer and labor leader who wrote about the plight of the working class and the fight for social justice.
* Bienvenido Santos: His works explored themes of poverty, alienation, and the search for identity in a changing society.
2. Political Satire:
* Writers used humor and irony to critique the political situation, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption of the Marcos regime.
* Key writers:
* Jose Rizal: His satirical novel "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) has been interpreted as a critique of Spanish colonialism, and it continues to resonate with themes of oppression and injustice.
* Nick Joaquin: His stories often employed mythical and historical elements to satirize contemporary society and its political leaders.
3. Historical Fiction:
* Writers drew inspiration from the country's history to explore themes of revolution, resistance, and the search for national identity.
* Key writers:
* F. Sionil Jose: His Rosales Saga, a series of novels set in the fictional town of Rosales, delves into the history of the Philippines from the Spanish colonial era to the present.
* Edilberto K. Tiempo: His works often drew on Philippine folklore and history to create powerful narratives.
4. Poetry of Protest:
* Poetry played a vital role in expressing dissent and resistance against the Marcos regime.
* Key poets:
* Bienvenido Lumbera: His poems often tackled themes of social injustice, political oppression, and the struggle for freedom.
* Virgilio Almario: Known for his politically charged poems that critiqued the Marcos dictatorship.
* Rolando Tinio: A playwright and poet who used his works to express his opposition to the Martial Law regime.
5. The Rise of the "New Cinema"
* Alongside literature, the Dekada 70 also saw the emergence of "New Cinema," which embraced realism, political themes, and social commentary. Films like "Jaguar" (1972) and "Insiang" (1978) became significant works of the period, reflecting the social and political realities of the time.
6. Regional Literature:
* During this era, literature from the Philippines' diverse regions also emerged, with authors exploring local cultures, dialects, and perspectives. This reflected the country's rich cultural diversity and the need for more inclusive narratives.
7. The Influence of Western Literature
* Some writers were influenced by Western literary movements like postmodernism and existentialism, incorporating these concepts into their own works.
It's important to note that these literary approaches were not mutually exclusive, and many works incorporated elements of several of them. The literature of the Dekada 70 serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Filipino writers in the face of adversity, using their art to document the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of the people during this turbulent time.