PERIOD OF IMITATION
1910-1925
Periof of Imitation 1910-1925
The period of imitation in Philippine literature, roughly spanning from
1910 to 1925, was characterized by Filipino writers heavily imitating
Western literary styles, particularly those of the United States and
Britain, as English became the medium of instruction under American
rule.
It was also a time of learning and development for Filipino writers in
English.
Writers during this period imitated American and British models and
styles, hence the period was named as the Period of Imitation.
Literature during the Period of Imitation
During this period the Philippines is under the rule of American.
The public of education introduced and became accessible to Filipino
children.
English was used as the medium of instructions.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
1919 : The UP College Folio published the literacy composition of
the First Filipino writers in English. They were pioneers in essay,
short story writing and poetry.
The College Folio was the first English-language student paper in
the Philippines, published by the University of the Philippines (UP)
from 1910 to 1913.
The College of Folio was the first English language student paper in
the Philippines, published by the University of the Philippines (UP)
from 1910-1913.
1920 1924
• The Philippine Herald, the first Filipino
• The Philippine Review, Rising Philippines
daily in English was founded. and Citizens, and The Philippine
• The Bulletin was also put into print.
Education Magazine.
• The Manila Tribune was also established
in the same year.
PROMINENT AUTHORS & THEIR WORKS
Fernando Maramag wrote the “Rural Maid”
Juan F. Salazar wrote the “Air Castle”
Jose M. Hernandez wrote the “A Child of Sorrow” , “Nadia”, “For Dreams
Must Die”, and “Spring Time”.
Francisco Tonogbanua wrote the poem “Why”
Period of Imitation Essay Writers
Essay is a Filipino literacy genre that was born in the Period of
imitation. The following essayists wrote Formal essays which were
truly scholarly, full of sobriety, substance and structure.
-Pioneers in formal essay include:
• Carlos P. Romulo “Being True to Oneself” and “I Am A Filipino”.
• Jorge C. Bocobo “Thinking For Ourselves”
• Mauro Mendez
• Eliseo Quirino & Vicente Hilario wrote the essay “Thinking for
Ourselves.”
• Zoilo Galang published his first volume of essay entitled “Life
And Success.”
- The next group of writers introduced the INFORMAL ESSAY. They spiced
their work with humor, wit and satire. These group included;
• Ignacio Manlapaz
• Godofredo Rivera
• Federico Mangahas
• Francisco B. Icasiano
• Salvador P. Lopez
• Jose Lansang
• Amado G. Dayrit
Period of Imitation Short Stories
Short story is a literary genre was brought along by the Americans.
Filipinos readily adopted short story as a form of relaxation and
entertainment. It proved to be worthwhile for one can read such in
just a short while.
• Paz Marquez Benitez’s “Dead Stars,” published in 1925, is often
cited as the first successful Filipino short story in English, marking
a shift towards a more distinct Filipino voice and style.
• Zoilo Galang published the first anthology of short stories in
“Tales of the Philippines.”
Period of Imitation Poetry
Poetry also emerge during the Period of Imitation in Philippine
literature, which spanned roughly from 1910 to 1924 contributing to
the early development of Philippine poetry in English.
• Bernardo P. Garcia wrote the poem “George Washington.”
• Marcelo de Gracia Conception wrote the awarded winning poem
“Azucena” means Lily in English.
• Procopio Solidum wrote “Never mind and Other Poems.”
• Rodolfo Dato published his anthology “Filipino Poetry.”
