Here's a breakdown of what happened in early Philippine literature, which could be considered the "apprenticeship" phase:
1. Pre-Colonial Era:
* Oral Tradition: Before Spanish colonization, the Philippines had a rich oral tradition, with epics, myths, legends, and folk songs passed down through generations. These stories reflected the cultural values, beliefs, and daily lives of the Filipinos.
* Indigenous Scripts: Several indigenous scripts existed, including Baybayin, which was used to write down some of these stories and songs.
2. Spanish Colonial Era (1565-1898):
* Introduction of Christianity: Christianity played a significant role in shaping Philippine society and literature. Religious themes became prominent in writing.
* Influence of Spanish Literature: Spanish language and literary forms were introduced. Writers started composing works in Spanish, adapting Spanish literary conventions, themes, and styles.
* Early Works:
* Pasyon: Passion plays recounting the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, a genre that became immensely popular in the Philippines.
* Senakulo: Dramatizations of the Passion of Christ, often with musical elements.
* Awit and Corrido: Long narrative poems in octosyllabic quatrains, often romanticized stories based on European legends or historical events.
* Writers:
* Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas): Known for his epic poem "Florante at Laura", which showcased Filipino poetic abilities and addressed themes of love, freedom, and social justice.
* Jose Rizal: A key figure in the Philippine Revolution, his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" became powerful tools for social commentary and national awakening.
3. American Colonial Era (1898-1946):
* Influence of American Literature: English became the language of instruction and literature. Writers began experimenting with English as a medium, adopting American literary forms and styles.
* Emergence of Modernist Writers: Writers like Jose Garcia Villa experimented with free verse and modernist techniques.
* Rise of Nationalism: Themes of national identity, cultural heritage, and social issues became central to literary works.
* Notable Writers:
* Claro M. Recto: A prominent lawyer and writer who advocated for Filipino nationalism and challenged American colonial influence.
* Manuel Arguilla: A renowned short story writer known for his realistic portrayals of rural life and Filipino social realities.
The "Apprenticeship" Stage in Philippine Literature:
We can consider the period from the Spanish colonization until the rise of modernism (roughly the 16th to the early 20th centuries) as the "apprenticeship" stage. During this time, Filipino writers were learning and adapting literary forms and styles from external influences. They were exploring their own voice and identity within the context of these foreign influences. This period laid the foundation for the development of a distinct Philippine literature.
It is important to note that this "apprenticeship" was not simply passive imitation. Filipino writers adapted foreign forms to express their own experiences and concerns, resulting in unique and valuable contributions to the literary landscape.