ASIAN AND AFRICAN LITERATURE

Philippine Literature: A Rich Tapestry

Philippine literature is a vibrant and diverse body of

work that reflects the country's rich history, culture,
and experiences. It spans centuries and
encompasses various genres, from oral traditions to
contemporary fiction.

Key Periods and Influences

• Pre-Colonial Period: Oral traditions, epics like

"Biag ni Lam-ang" and "Hiligaynon Epic of Labaw
Donggon" were passed down through
generations.
• Spanish Colonial Period: Spanish influence led to
the introduction of religious literature, secular
poetry, and historical accounts. Notable works
include "Florante at Laura" by Francisco Balagtas
and "Pasyon" religious dramas.
• American Colonial Period: English language
literature emerged, with writers like Jose Rizal,
Emilio Jacinto, and Andres Bonifacio
contributing to the nationalist movement. Rizal's
"Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" are
considered masterpieces.
• Post-Colonial Period: Philippine literature
blossomed with diverse themes and styles.
Writers like Nick Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose, and
Bienvenido Santos explored issues of identity,
colonialism, and social change.
• Contemporary Period: Contemporary Filipino
writers continue to push boundaries with
experimental forms, addressing social and
political issues, and exploring the complexities of
human experience.

Notable Filipino Writers and Works

 • Jose Rizal: His novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo" are critical to the Philippine
Revolution.
• Nick Joaquin: Known for his historical fiction and
short stories, such as "The Summer of 1928" and
"The Woman Who Had Two Shadows."
• F. Sionil Jose: A prolific writer whose novels,
including the "Rosales Saga," explore the impact
of colonialism and societal changes.
• Bienvenida Santos: A master of short stories,
known for her depictions of Filipino immigrant life
in the United States.
• Resil B. Mojares: A historian and literary critic who
has contributed significantly to the study of
Philippine literature.

Themes and Concerns

• Nationalism and Identity: Filipino writers often

explore the complexities of national identity and
the impact of colonialism.
• Social Issues: Poverty, inequality, and corruption
are recurring themes in Philippine literature.
• Family and Relationships: Family bonds, love,
and loss are frequently explored.
• Magic Realism: Filipino writers have embraced
magical realism, incorporating fantastical
elements into realistic narratives.

A World of Challenge by Johnny Antillon: A Timeless

Message

Johnny Antillon, a Filipino high school student, made

a profound impact on the world in 1954. His speech,
"A World of Challenge," delivered at the New York
Herald Tribune Youth Forum, continues to inspire and
resonate with audiences today.

Key Themes and Ideas

 • Embrace Challenges: Antillon argued that
challenges are essential for personal growth and
development. He believed that a world without
challenges would be a world without purpose or
meaning.
• The Value of Diversity: He highlighted the
importance of diversity in thought and
experience, emphasizing that it enriches our lives
and helps us to understand different
perspectives.
• Optimism and Hope: Despite the challenges
facing the world, Antillon maintained a hopeful
outlook. He believed that through cooperation,
understanding, and perseverance, humanity
could overcome obstacles and create a better
future.

Haiku is a Japanese poetic form with a strict structure:

• Three lines
• Five syllables in the first line
• Seven syllables in the second line
• Five syllables in the third line

Haiku often focuses on nature, seasons, and simple

observations of everyday life. It aims to evoke a
single, sharp image or emotion in the reader.

Here's an example:

Old pond

Frog jumps in

Splash of water

"The Izu Dancer" is a short story by Japanese author

Yasunari Kawabata, published in 1926. It is a coming-
of-age story about a young man named Kenzaburo
who travels to the Izu Peninsula and meets a young
dancer named Ayako.

The story explores themes of love, loss, and the

fleeting nature of youth. Kenzaburo is immediately
drawn to Ayako, and they spend several days
together. However, he is aware that their relationship
is not possible, as Ayako is a child and he is an adult.

Eventually, Kenzaburo and Ayako part ways, and

Kenzaburo returns home. He carries with him the
memories of their time together, and he knows that
he will never see Ayako again.

"The Izu Dancer" is a beautiful and evocative story

that captures the essence of first love. It is a classic of
Japanese literature, and it continues to be read and
enjoyed today.

Savitri is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology,

known for her unwavering devotion and
determination. She is the wife of Satyavan, a prince
cursed with a short lifespan.

According to the epic poem Mahabharata, Savitri,

upon learning of her husband's impending death,
sets out on a journey to Yama, the god of death, to
plead for his life. With her intelligence, eloquence,
and unwavering faith, she convinces Yama to grant
Satyavan a longer life.

Savitri's story is a powerful testament to the power of

devotion, the strength of love, and the ability of
individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable
challenges. Her tale continues to inspire and
captivate readers and devotees of Hinduism.

"Unending Love" by Rabindranath Tagore is a poem

that explores the timeless nature of love. The speaker
expresses their belief that they have loved the same
person countless times throughout their existence, in
different forms and ages. They describe their love as
a "necklace of songs" that the beloved wears forever.
The poem also reflects on the cyclical nature of love,
with its moments of joy and sorrow recurring
throughout time.

This poem is often interpreted as a spiritual love story,

transcending the boundaries of time and space. It
speaks to the idea that love is a universal force that
connects all beings.

The Search for Everlasting Life in African Literature

The quest for eternal life is a recurring theme in

African literature, often intertwined with cultural
beliefs, ancestral traditions, and spiritual practices.
This theme can be found across various genres, from
folklore and oral traditions to contemporary novels
and poetry.

Key themes and motifs:

• Ancestral connection: Many African cultures

believe in the interconnectedness of the living
and the dead. Ancestral spirits are often seen as
guardians and sources of wisdom, and the
search for everlasting life may involve
connecting with the ancestral realm.
• Rituals and ceremonies: Rituals and ceremonies
are often central to the pursuit of eternal life.
These practices may involve offerings, sacrifices,
and specific rituals designed to appease the
gods or ancestors.
• Magical objects and substances: Magical
objects and substances, such as amulets,
potions, and herbs, are often believed to have
the power to prolong life or even grant
immortality.
 • Transformation and rebirth: The idea of
transformation and rebirth is a common motif in
African literature. It may involve physical
changes, spiritual enlightenment, or a merging
with a higher power.

Examples in African literature:

• Oral traditions: Many African oral traditions, such

as folktales and epics, feature characters who
embark on quests for immortality or encounter
beings who possess eternal life.
• Ngugi wa Thiong'o: The Kenyan writer Ngugi wa
Thiong'o often explores themes of colonialism,
identity, and the search for meaning. In his
novels, characters may seek eternal life as a
way to resist oppression or connect with their
cultural heritage.
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Nigerian
author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has written
about the complexities of modern African life,
including the challenges of balancing tradition
with modernity. In her work, characters may
grapple with the desire for both progress and
connection to their ancestral roots.

Contemporary perspectives:

In contemporary African literature, the search for

everlasting life may be reimagined in light of modern
challenges and global issues. Writers may explore
themes such as climate change, technological
advancements, and the impact of globalization on
traditional beliefs.

African literature:

• Yoruba mythology: In Yoruba mythology, the

flood is associated with the deity Oduduwa, who
 is believed to have created the Earth and
repopulated it after a great deluge.
• Igbo folklore: Igbo folklore includes stories of a
flood that covered the land, with a few survivors
escaping on a floating log.
• Written literature: African writers have
incorporated the flood myth into their works,
often reimagining it in contemporary contexts or
exploring its symbolic significance. For example,
Ngugi wa Thiong'o's novel Weep Not, Child
references the flood myth as a metaphor for the
challenges faced by African communities.

The Thousand and One Nights, also known as Alf

Layla wa-Layla in Arabic, is a collection of Middle
Eastern folktales compiled over many centuries. It is
one of the most famous and influential works of world
literature, with a rich history and diverse range of
stories.

Origins and Development:

The exact origins of the Thousand and One Nights are

not fully known, but it is believed that the earliest
tales were Persian and Indian. These stories were
gradually translated into Arabic and expanded upon
over time, with many new tales being added and
older ones revised. The earliest surviving Arabic
manuscript dates back to the 10th century.

The Frame Story:

The collection is framed by a fictional narrative of

King Shahrayar, who, after discovering his wife's
infidelity, vows to marry a new woman each night
and have her executed the following morning.
Scheherazade, the daughter of the vizier, volunteers
to be the king's next wife. She tells him a captivating
story each night, leaving him eager to hear the
continuation the following night. In this way, she
manages to delay her execution for a thousand and
one nights, eventually winning the king's heart and
becoming his queen.

Famous Stories:

The Thousand and One Nights contains a wide

variety of stories, including romances, adventures,
comedies, and tragedies. Some of the most famous
stories include:

• Aladdin: A young man who discovers a magical

lamp and uses it to become rich and powerful.
• Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: A woodcutter
who stumbles upon a hidden cave filled with
treasure.
• Sinbad the Sailor: A sailor who embarks on a
series of fantastical adventures, encountering
magical creatures and exotic lands.

Influence and Legacy:

The Thousand and One Nights has had a profound

influence on Western literature, art, and music. It has
inspired countless writers, artists, and filmmakers, and
its characters and themes have become part of
popular culture. The collection has been translated
into numerous languages and continues to be
enjoyed by readers around the world.

Hebrew Literature: A Rich Tapestry of Stories

Hebrew literature is a vast and diverse body of work

that spans centuries and encompasses various
genres, from poetry and prose to drama and
philosophy. It has played a significant role in shaping
Jewish culture and identity.
The Prodigal Son is a famous parable from the New
Testament of the Bible, found in the Gospel of Luke. It
tells the story of a father with two sons. The younger
son asks his father for his inheritance early, and then
leaves home to squander it. When he realizes his
mistake, he returns home, humbled and repentant.
His father, filled with compassion, welcomes him
back with open arms.

The parable is often interpreted as a metaphor for

God's love and forgiveness. It teaches us that no
matter how far we may stray from God, we are
always welcome back. The father's unconditional
love and acceptance serve as a powerful reminder
of God's grace and mercy.

Psalm 91 is a Psalm of praise and trust in God's

protection. It is often referred to as "A Psalm of
Safety."

Here's the text of Psalm 91 (NIV):

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

He will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge

and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the

fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and

under his wings you will find refuge; his
faithfulness is a shield and a rampart.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor

the arrow that flies by day;

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor

the plague that destroys at midday.
 A thousand may fall at your side, ten
thousand at your right hand; but it will not
come near you.

You will only look and see the punishment of

the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD your

dwelling place and the Most High your
refuge,

no evil shall befall you, no plague shall

come near your dwelling.

For he will command his angels concerning

you to guard you in all your ways;

they will carry you on their hands, so that

you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the adder,

the young lion and the serpent you will
trample underfoot.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I

will deliver him; I will protect him, because
he knows my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will

be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and
honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him

my salvation.”

This Psalm offers comfort and assurance, promising

God's protection and presence in times of difficulty.
It's a popular choice for prayer and meditation,
offering hope and strength to believers.
The Book of Ruth is a relatively short book in the
Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) that tells the story of a
Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes a loyal
follower of the God of Israel. It is often read in
conjunction with the Book of Judges, as it takes
place during the time of the Judges in Israel.

Plot Summary:

The book begins with the story of Naomi, a widow

who leaves her home in Bethlehem to live in Moab
with her two sons. Both of her sons die, leaving her
with two widowed daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.
Orpah returns to her own people, but Ruth remains
loyal to Naomi and her God.

Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, where Ruth

finds work in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner.
Boaz is impressed by Ruth's hard work and kindness,
and they eventually marry. Their son, Obed,
becomes the grandfather of King David.

The Book of Ruth is a beautiful and inspiring story that

celebrates the power of love, loyalty, and faith. It is a
reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope
and redemption are possible.