Exercise - Pre-colonial to Spanish Lit

What are the general characteristics of pre-colonial literature?

• shared orally and usually with music

• recorded on paper

• expressed in our ancestors' language

• spontaneous and instinctive

• consistent throughout generations

What is the main purpose of a salawikain or proverb?

• to promote good behavior

• to entertain during siesta

• to educate about science

• to showcase the beauty of the country

On what material do the Hanunó'o Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro usually "write" the ambahan?

• old paper

• textiles or clothing

• rocks in caves

• bamboo stems

Tanaga is considered as the Hispanized version of ambahan. To what other poetic form is tanaga compared with?

• sonnet

• haiku

• couplet

• limerick

What are the real purposes of bulong?

• to ask for protection

• to ask for healing

• to ask for permission

• to pay respect to elementals

What makes a legend different from a myth?

• passed on through oral tradition

• deals with supernatural beings

• shows symbolic narration

• has historical basis and is regarded as true

What are features of epics?

• either chanted or sung

• about heroic deeds and adventures

• features customs and ideals of a culture

• written in prose

What are the characteristics of Philippine literature during the Spanish colonization?

• centered on religion

• shared orally

• similar to Spanish themes and forms

• repetitious plots

The poem May Bagyo Ma't May Rilim (1605), written by an unnamed native, bears an imagery of a turbulent storm. What does this poem aim to show?

• Filipinos' resilience

• love for nature

• cultural differences in the country

• the saving grace that is Christianity

Ang Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon Natin (1704), written by Gaspar de Belen, depicts the last moments of Christ eventually leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. What pre-colonial literary form is it comparable with?

• legends

• epics

• fables

• myths