Order for Masks
Philippine Literature
POST – WAR PERIOD (1945-1960)
In the year 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the Philippines were again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to halt.
.
After the war, it took some time before the writers could find their bearings.
-Writing in English was consigned to limbo. the reason was that almost writings in English were stopped or strictly prohibited by the Japanese.
* In other words, Filipino literature was given a break during this period.
* This had an advantages effect on Filipino Literature, w/c experienced renewed attention because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino.
* After the war, however with a fervor and drive for excellence that continues to this day.
Until 50th years – literary output still carried the stock theme of war and its hardship. Bitterness was a common tone.
Later a new group of writers sprung up.
*writing of this new group was characterized by liberalism in thought and outlook.
They were influenced by new literary theories by a new of symbolism, by existentialism by the post-war European, new communication modes, by ideology and practice of communism.
Filipino had by this time, learned to express themselves more confidently but post-war problems beyond language and print like economic stability, the threat of new ideas and morality had to be grappled with side by side.
Order for Masks
Virginia R. Moreno
To this harlequinade
I wear a black tights and a fool’s cap
Billiken, make me three bright masks
For the three tasks in my life.
Three faces to wear
One after the other
For the three men in my life.
When my Brother comes
Make me one opposite
If he is a devil, a saint
With a staff to his fork
And his horns a crown.
I hope my contrast
To make nil
Our old resemblance to each other
And my twin will walk me out
Without a frown
Pretending I am another.
When my Father comes
Make me one
POST – WAR PERIOD (1945-1960)
In the year 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the Philippines were again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to halt.
.
After the war, it took some time before the writers could find their bearings.
-Writing in English was consigned to limbo. the reason was that almost writings in English were stopped or strictly prohibited by the Japanese.
* In other words, Filipino literature was given a break during this period.
* This had an advantages effect on Filipino Literature, w/c experienced renewed attention because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino.
* After the war, however with a fervor and drive for excellence that continues to this day.
Until 50th years – literary output still carried the stock theme of war and its hardship. Bitterness was a common tone.
Later a new group of writers sprung up.
*writing of this new group was characterized by liberalism in thought and outlook.
They were influenced by new literary theories by a new of symbolism, by existentialism by the post-war European, new communication modes, by ideology and practice of communism.
Filipino had by this time, learned to express themselves more confidently but post-war problems beyond language and print like economic stability, the threat of new ideas and morality had to be grappled with side by side.
Order for Masks
Virginia R. Moreno
To this harlequinade
I wear a black tights and a fool’s cap
Billiken, make me three bright masks
For the three tasks in my life.
Three faces to wear
One after the other
For the three men in my life.
When my Brother comes
Make me one opposite
If he is a devil, a saint
With a staff to his fork
And his horns a crown.
I hope my contrast
To make nil
Our old resemblance to each other
And my twin will walk me out
Without a frown
Pretending I am another.
When my Father comes
Make me one