Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY
Jose L. Briones St.,Mandaue City

PRIVATE EYE
Compare and contrast the various 21 st century
literary genres and their elements, structures,
and traditions from across the globe
for Grade 11

SELF-LEARNING KIT
1
 FOREWORD

Philippine literature has evolved through eons old. For

every period that passed, literature has morphed in leaps and
bounds in terms of how different genres appeared, and how literary
works rooted from all regions reflecting their culture, society and
lifestyle. It has been appreciated and analyzed in touched with the
new ways of understanding and criticizing it.

This Private Eye is a self-learning kit that will serve as a

guide in understanding literary texts, juxtaposed with other genres
vis-à-vis with the basic elements of literature.

Moreover, this kit contains the objectives, the learning

competency, pre-test activities, discussion, and exercises for
mastery of learning and skills. It is then expected that this will
develop not only the writing skills of students but as well as their
analytical skills in literature.

2
1. CONTENT STANDARD
The learner will be able to understand and appreciate literary texts
in various genres across national literature and cultures.

2.PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
A written close analysis and critical interpretation of a literary text
in terms of form and theme, with a description of its context derived from
research; critical paper that analyzes literary texts in relation to the
context of the reader and the writer or a critical paper that interprets
literary texts using any of the critical approaches; and an adaptation of
a text into other creative forms using multimedia.

3. LEARNING COMPETENCIES

Compare and contrast the various 21st

century literary genres and their elements, structures,
and traditions from across the globe (EN12Lit-IId-25)

Produce a creative representation of a literary

text by applying multimedia and ICT skills

Do self- and/or peer-assessment of the creative

adaptation of a literary text, based on rationalized
criteria, prior to presentation (EN12Lit-IIij-31.3)

4. OBJECTIVES

In this lesson, you are expected to:

• Identify the basic elements of poetry,

• Read a sample 21st – century poem and a
short fiction
• Understand the poem by looking into its
elements
• Analyze the story by juxtaposing the basic
elements of fiction
• Compare and contrast the two 21st-century
texts in terms of their elements with the same
themes
• Discuss social issue mentioned in the two texts
• Produce a creative representation of the two
texts integrating ICT and multimedia

3
 I. What Happened?

Let us check your foreknowledge!

Instruction: Write PR if the statement expresses a characteristic of Prose and

PO if it expresses a characteristic of Poetry. Write BO if it applies
to both.

_________ 1. It is always written in lines.

_________ 2. It narrates the series of events of a story.

_________ 4. It tells the physical location of the story, the atmosphere, the
mood, the weather, and even the time the story happens.

_________ 5. Stanza is composed of lines.

_________ 6. Free verse has no rhyme and has no meter.

_________ 7. It conveys a lesson or message to the reader.

_________ 8. A narrator can be a character in a story.

_________ 9. It reflects the life of a person and his culture.

_________ 10. They are the characters driving out the flow of the story.

Well done! If you get 7 out

10, you may still enjoy
reading this module.
If you don’t, study this
module with full
comprehension and enjoy!

4
 II. What To Know?

Lesson Compare and contrast the various 21st

century literary genres and their elements,
7 structures, and traditions from across the
globe

❖ What is Literature?

Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically,

the term derives from Latin litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with
letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts.
Moreover, it can be classified as prose or poetry.

❖ What is Poetry?

Poetry has traditionally been distinguished by setting it in verse

therefore, it is written in lines. It is composed of stanzas, set in metrical
lines and sometimes with rhymes. It uses literary devices to make it more
meaningful in sense.

Basic Elements of Poetry

Elements Meaning
Voice or Persona Voice or persona is the speaker of the poem. The
Poetic Vision It is the lesson, or the message one can understand
and learn after reading the poem.
Addressee It refers to the audience or to whom the poem is
intended to.
Mood Mood is the atmosphere, or emotion, in the poem
created by the poet.
Rhythm Rhythm is the flow of the beat in a poem.
Rhyme These are words that end with the same sound.
Forms of Poetry:
➢ Free Verse Free verse has no rhyme and has no meter.
➢ Blank Verse It no rhyme but has strict use of meter.

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 ❖ What is Prose?

Prose is a literary piece written in ordinary or common spoken

language, not set in stanza but in paragraph. It is derived from a Latin
word prosa which means “straightforward.”

Prose can be fiction or non-fiction. Fiction is merely a product of

one’s imagination. Short story and novel are the two genres under
fiction. On the other hand, non-fiction is based on facts.

In terms of its structure, fiction and non-fiction are both written in

paragraph. Just like stanza in poetry, paragraph is used to separate
ideas or events.

Basic Elements of Fiction

Characters Characters in a story are the people, animals, or
objects driving out the flow of the story.
Setting This tells the physical location of the story, the
atmosphere, the mood, the weather, and even the
time the story happens.
Plot Plot is the order of events.
Theme This suggests the message or the moral of the story.
Conflict It is the tension presented in the story.
Point of View This refers to who narrates the story.
Types of POV:
➢ First-person The narrator is the character himself. It uses the first-
Point of View person pronoun I.

➢ Third-person The narrator is not part of the story.

Limited
➢ Third-person The narrator possesses limited knowledge.
Limited

Now that you know

the elements of
poetry and fiction,
lets us read sample
texts for both!

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Activity 1: Let’s love poetry!

Read the poem “A Prayer from the Womb” by Saju Abraham. Then,
answer the questions that follow.

Writer’s Background

Saju Abraham is a lecturer in English at Sohar University Oman. He was

born in India and became a missionary at the age of 15. It is during this time
that he developed his poetry-writing skills. He quit missionary life and eventually
left India to work under the Ministry of Education in Oman.

A Prayer from the Womb

Why did you tear me off you,

When you knew I’d die without you?
I promised you peaceful sleep,
But you wouldn't hear me.
You were in the midst of planning your future.
I promised I wouldn't pull at your gown,
Nor test my vocal cords when I'm hungry.
But still you didn't let me be.
I promised I would behave when your friends visit,
And when you're on the phone or in the kitchen.
But you still threw me out of your system.
Why mama, why? Am I so unagreeable?
I don't keep it against you mama.
I know that now you know.

Analyzing Poetry!

Read each question and write your answers on the space provided for.
Please answer in complete sentence.

1. Who do you think is the persona or voice talking in the poem?

_______________________________________________________________

2. What is the mood of the poem? Can you write the words or phrases
used in the poem to support your answer?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

3. To whom you think the poem is addressed to?

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 4. What are the things that the baby promised to his mother
while still inside her womb?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

5. How would you describe the mother bearing the child?

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

6. What does this line suggest? “But you still threw me out of your system.”
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

7. If you were the child inside this mother’s womb, would you still like to
be born or just be aborted? Justify your answer.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Time to read!

The following text is retrieved from

the Pregnancy Crises Service
organization in Singapore. The text
was originally meant as an
advertisement and was modified to
remove contact details.
Disclaimer: The following letter is
hypothetical.

8
 A Letter from an Unborn Baby

Hi Mom! How are you? I am doing just fine, thanks. Only a few
days have gone since I was conceived and I am now growing in your
tummy. To tell you the truth, I can’t explain how happy I am to know that
you are my mom. It also makes me proud to know that I was conceived out
of love. I’m sure I am going to be the happiest baby alive.

Mommy, a month has gone past and I have started to notice

how my body is forming. I know I am not much to look at now but just wait
and see – I’ll make you so proud! Even though I am feeling happy, I sense
that something is wrong! You seem to be having strange thoughts that leave
me restless and worried; but I am sure everything is going to be okay! Don’t
despair!

Two and a half months have gone by, Mom, I now have hands
that I can use to play with. Oh, I am so happy! Mommy, please tell what’s
wrong? Why are you crying so much lately? Why do you and Dad argue
every time you meet up with one another? Don’t you guys want me
anymore? I’m going to do everything I can to make you want me…

Three months have now passed, Mom, but you still seem to be
sad. I am not sure what is going on… I am so confused. Today we went to
see the doctor and he booked an appointment for you tomorrow. I don’t
understand why I am feeling so good and you aren’t, Mom!

Mommy, where are we going? What’s happening? Mommy,

this is not normally the time that you take your afternoon nap; don’t lie
down. Besides, I am not tired! I still want to play! Uh!!! What is this thing doing
inside of my house? Is it a new toy? Hey! It’s sucking up my house…

Please… don’t tug me! No… don’t hit me! You’re hurting me!
Can’t you see that I am still small? I can’t defend myself! Mommy!!! Stop
them – that’s my hand!!! Mommy, my leg… they are ripping it out! Defend
me, Mom!!! Help me, Mom!!! Tell them to stop, I promise I’ll stop kicking them
if they do. How is it possible that someone can be doing this to me? Oh,
Mommy, I can’t go on anymore… h-he…lp me…

Seventeen years have gone by since you made that fateful

decision. Now you still suffer over the very thought of it. Please don’t cry… I
know you are still hurting, but you are not alone. Mommy, if you are still sad,
you can try getting away from all the daily pressures of work and family and
joining a spiritual retreat to focus on the hurt you are feeling. In that retreat,
you can come to terms with your decisions to let me go, and find forgiveness
and peace of mind.

9
Analyzing a Story!

Read each question and write your answers on the space provided for.
Please answer in complete sentence.

1. Who is the character in the letter?

_______________________________________________________________

2. What point of view is used in the letter? Prove your answer.

_______________________________________________________________

3. How would you describe the atmosphere? Can you cite some
lines to justify your answer?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

4. Based from the letter, do you think the decision of the mother was
fateful? Support your answer.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

5. Do you think these lines are ironic? Why?

To tell you the truth, I can’t explain how happy I am to know that you
are my mom. It also makes me proud to know that I was conceived
out of love. I’m sure I am going to be the happiest baby alive.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

6. After what happened to the baby, do you think the baby holds
grudges with his mother? Prove your point.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Now that you have loved

both the poem and the
story, it is time to deepen
your understanding!

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Activity 3: Genre-Crossing!

Instruction: In the blank before each number, write if the remark about the
text refers to the “Prayer from the Womb,” L if it refers to the “A Letter
from an Unborn Baby,” and PL if it has to do with the two selections.

______ 1. Addressed mainly to the mother.

______2. Contains remarks made during the different stages of pregnancy.
______ 3. Contains questions by the speaker about what’s happening to him.
______ 4. Questions the mother’s decision for the abortion.
______ 5. Raises pleas for help from the mother.
______ 6. Features promises to avoid the bothersome demands for attention.
______ 7. Includes a postscript acknowledging the feelings of the mother
about the abortion
______ 8. Forgives the mother for the decision she made.

This time let us compare

and contrast both
literature!

Activity 4: Venn Diagram

Instruction: In the outer circles, write the appropriate elements specific only to
that genre. In the center circle, write the elements that are alike to
both genres.

addressee character conflict free

lines mood paragraph
stanza persona point of view
sentences theme
verse

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Venn Diagram

One element that is both present in poetry and in fiction, is the theme.
The theme conveys the message or the lesson to the reader after
reading a text.

Activity 5: Let’s write it down!

Instruction: In a separate clean sheet of paper, write a short essay discussing

the theme in Saju Abraham’s “Prayer from the Womb,” and
“A Letter from an Unborn Baby,”

Consider the rubric in the

next page as a guide in
writing your essay.

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 RUBRICS IN CHECKING YOUR ESSAY

CATEGORY 10 8 6 4 Score
All the Most of the Some of the None of the
ideas ideas ideas ideas
presented presented presented presented
are correct are correct are correct are correct
Content
and and and and
relevant to relevant to relevant to relevant to
the topic the topic the topic the topic
given. given. given. given.
The paper The paper The paper The paper is
was was was not vague and
arranged somewhat arranged in not
in a logical arranged in a logical presented
and clear a logical and clear properly.
Organization manner and clear manner
which manner which
allows easy which allows easy
understan allows easy understandi
ding. understandi ng.
ng.
The paper The paper The paper The paper
is free from has 1-3 has 4-5 has more
Mechanics all grammatic grammatic than 5
(Grammar & grammatic al and al and grammatic
Spelling) al and spelling spelling al and
spelling errors. errors. spelling
errors. errors.

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Closing Activity: Picture me out!

After the comparative learning of both literary genres, you may

choose one output that will serve as your learning response.

You have the following options to choose from in completing your

output

• Draw an image background

representing both the poem and the
letter. Use any mobile or online
applications in making your output. Send
it via Facebook messenger or e-mail.

• Make a poster in a short bond paper.

• Write a poem in response to both literary texts with the same

theme.

• Choose a song that has the same theme with the two literary
texts and record yourself a video singing it. You may or may not
use any background music or accompaniment.

• Record a video of yourself, performing a 2-minute monologue

expressing about the theme.

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 III. What Have You Learned?

I have learned that …

• 21st – Century literature mirrors life and depicts culture. In

literature, poetry and short story can be both used to express
stories.
• Poetry is written in verses or lines in a stanza while prose is
written in paragraph.
• Although poetry and prose differ in structure, both genres
can effectively convey messages to the readers.
• Abortion has been a long-time issue in humanity. Though to
some countries, abortion has been legalized but to many
countries, abortion is considered illegal. With this increasing
issue not only in the Philippines, social issue like abortion has
been dramatically written down in literature.
• Literature has been used as a tool to express current issues
that are hardly heard. Writing has been a weapon to express
social issues grounding its themes from people who have
experienced such problem.
• The post-modern students can use writing as a powerful tool
to express emotions and share their own sentiments to some
societal issues like abortion.

Well done! I hope after this

module, you will
appreciate reading more
literature!
Keep it up!

Make sure to review

everything
before closing this out!

15
 About the Author

EZRA A. CAHAPAY is a junior high school

teacher for eight years now at Don Gerardo
Llamera Ouano Memorial National High
School.

He is currently handling senior high school

classes. He graduated Bachelor of Arts in
English-Literature at Cebu Normal University.

REFERENCE

Lumen. Introduction to literature. (n.d.) Retrieved from

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/introliterature/chapter/defining-
literature/.

Tayo, Ma. Lourdes G.,Alonzo, Rosario I., and Flores, Eden R. 21 st - Century
Literature from the Philippines and the World. 839 EDSA, South
Triangle, Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc., 2017.

16
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY
Jose L. Briones St.,Mandaue City

NIMFA B. BONGO, Ed. D., CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

ESTELA B. SUSVILLA, Ed. D.

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

JAIME P. RUELAN, Ed. D.

Chief Curriculum and Implementation Division

ISMAELITA DESABILLE, Ed. D.

LRMDS, Education Program Supervisor

MERCEDITA M. DEMORAL Ed. D.

Education Program Supervisor in English

EZRA A. CAHAPAY
Writer/Illustrator/Lay-out Artist

17
 It is hoped that you have understood and mastered the competencies
covered in the Self-Learning Kit. The skills you have learned will be of great
.help as you take part in the challenging demands of society.

The enriching experiences you have gained through this learning material
enable you to know more about yourself, especially your capabilities.
Hence, you are ready to extend your horizons.

Learning the essential competencies in English 7 is to prepare you to

become globally competitive in the future. As you meet the complex
demands of the global world, you stand confident because of the wide
range of competencies you have mastered which made you more
expressive of your thoughts and ideas.

Bringing up rear, as productive learners, you are equipped with the 21st
century skills which you need to be ready for tomorrow’s world.

LearningResourceManagementandDevelopmentCenter (LRMDC)
Curriculum Implementation Division
Division of Mandaue
18 city