April 27, 2015

MIGUEL, Jeffren P.
MAEd-English
English & American Literature
University of the Immaculate Conception
1. Is metaphysical poetry same as religious writing of the medieval period? If so, why? If
not, why?
Metaphysical poetry is not the same as religious writing. This type of poetry
typically employs unusual verse forms, complex figures of speech applied to elaborate
and surprising metaphorical conceits, and learned themes discussed according to
eccentric and unexpected chains of reasoning. Furthermore, metaphysical poetry seeks to
shock the reader and wake him or her up from his or her normal existence in order to
question the unquestionable (such as the existence of God). On the other hand, religious
writings may refer to any texts that uphold religion its issues and concerns.
Even though the themes in metaphysical poetry is deeply religious, it is not
considered similar to that of religious writing because in the first place, most religious
writings are prose in form. One example of a religious writing is that of Martin Luther
which protests about the churchs selling of indulgences. Also, in metaphysical poetry,
you need to think and read between the lines.
2. How is chivalric code viewed today?
The chivalric code of the medieval period was actually a basis on how men,
especially the knights, behave. It is considered to be the foundation of being a gentleman.
It teaches the men on how to socialize with people the dos and donts. This code has
been passed on from generation to generation. Men are expected to behave according to
what is written in the code.
Chivalry spells out certain ethical standards that foster the
development of manhood. Men are called to be: truthful, loyal, courteous
to others, helpmates to women, supporters of justice, and defenders
of the weak. They are also expected to avoid scandal.

In todays generation, the chivalric code, as the basis for being a gentleman,
seems to be non-existent. Majority of the men today do not know how to respect the
elders and treat women nicely. Some of them engage in activities that hinders harmonious
relationships in the community (e.g. policemen in drug dealing, male politicians stealing
money from the people, etc.). These things are evidences that indeed the chivalric code of
the medieval period is not anymore considered significant in todays society.
3. Explain Local Color Fiction with Naturalism. Draw the line of difference.

Local color or regional literature is fiction and poetry that focuses on the
characters, dialect, customs, topography, and other features particular to a specific region.
These literary pieces strongly reflects the culture, belief, and lifestyle of a particular tribe
or place. The literary pieces also focuses on the laws and forces that reflect on the world.
4. As a student, is your knowledge on English and American Literature enough to brace
yourself in the demand of the educational system of the Philippines?
My knowledge on English and American Literature is not yet sufficient for
the new educational system of the Philippines. I still have to learn more about
English and American history and culture so that I can understand why literary
pieces that are written on a particular era have structure and themes which are
different from modern literature.
Furthermore, there are still a lot of literary pieces that I need to read and
analyze in order for me to become equipped for the 21st century learners. In my
case, when I am teaching literature to seventh grade students, they seem to be
very inquisitive. In order to provide them the correct information, I must learn
more about English American Literature.
In K12, the students are expected to achieve the content and performance
standards of a particular topic. I cannot be an effective teacher if I only have
shallow knowledge on English and American Literature. Therefore, my
knowledge is really not enough for the new educational system.
5. How is Areopagitica viewed today? Positive or negative?
Areopagitica is viewed positively in todays generation. Aeropagitica is
the very first document that opposes censorship. It is also the first document that
upholds freedom of speech.
There are a lot of activists group today that fights for their freedom of
expression, especially the press. If John Milton was not able to write this polemic
tract, most likely the government would block writings that oppose the
administration. There will be no freedom of speech.
6. Classify the following genres with its era and describe in two sentences.
a.
Religious writing
b.
Epic poem
c.
Elegy
d.
Pastoral romance
e.
Arthurian Romance
f.
Elizabethan Lyric
g.
Formulaic poetry
h.
Chronicle
i.
Narrative romance

j.

Elizabethan Drama
ERA

GENRE
Elegy

Religious writing

Medieval Period

Narrative romance

Arthurian romance

Chronicle

Anglo-Saxons Period
Formulaic poetry
Epic poem

Early Renaissance

Elizabethan lyric

DESCRIPTION
An elegy can be a sad
poem or a song. It
expresses sorrow for
someone who is dead.
Religious writing is a
poem, prose, or document
which gives information,
argument, or persuasion
towards religion. The
theme of this literary piece
is religion and belief.
Narrative romance is a
story of adventure (quest).
The main theme of the
story is battle saving the
country, restoring the
balance through chivalric
expeditions, etc.
Arthurian romance is also a
story of chivalric
adventure. There is an
involvement of courtly
love.
The chronicle is genre of
literature which gives
readers information about
history. These information
is arranged in a
chronological order,
according to year the
significant event in history
happened.
This is a type of poetry
which follows specific
rules and style.
An epic poem is a lengthy
narrative poem. It contains
details of heroic deeds and
adventure that is poetically
written.
Elizabethan lyric is a genre
of poetry which focuses on

Elizabethan drama

Pastoral romance

personal topics.
Elizabethan lyric often is
concerned with themes of
love, passion, and intimacy.
Elizabethan drama is any
English drama during the
reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
It reflected the spirit and
interest of English men in
the Renaissance period.
This a type of literary piece
that is still focused on
chivalry and adventure.
However, the author of the
piece employs various
techniques to place the
complex life into a simple
one

7. Explain the following era in two to three sentences:

a.
English Early Renaissance
b.
English Medieval Period
c.
American Transcendentalism
ERA
English Early Renaissance

English Medieval Period

American Transcendentalism

DESCRIPTION
The English Early Renaissance refers to the
awakening and development of Science,
literature, and arts in England. There is also
the awakening of the moral nature of man.
This makes the Renaissance of England
different from the other countries in
Europe.
The middle period in England in
considered to be the Dark Age because
there were no new inventions and new
discoveries made. It is also called as the
age of faith because religion and religious
writings were at its peak.
American transcendentalism is a movement
in philosophy and literature which
flourished during the early to middle years
of the nineteenth century. American
transcendentalism is essentially a kind of
practice by which the world of facts and
the categories of common sense are
temporarily exchanged for the world of
ideas and the categories of imagination.

8. Explain the Puritan movement and what causes it.

The Puritan movement is a non-sectarian movement that is regarded as the second
greater renaissance. There is an improvement not just in science, literature, and the arts,
but also there is moral awakening. Its aim is (1) personal righteousness and (2) civil and
intellectual liberty.
The aim of the Puritan movement is to purify the church from rituals and other
religious activities of the Church of England which is not found in the bible. King
Charles I wants the rituals to be retained since it has been the tradition of the church.
However, the Puritans really want reform. Therefore, the Puritan movement became a
national movement.
9. If the Puritans based their belief in the Bible, why restoration comedy and tragedy exist in
the common writings?
The restoration of the monarchy in England marked the end of the Puritan period.
It was the time when Charles II, son of Charles I, became the King. When the political
system was restored to monarchy, the entertainment and the pleasures that the Puritans
prohibited returned to business.
In literature, literary works of the Elizabethan period such as drama also returned
with new features like: (1) reinvigorated sense of bawdy humor; (2) the emergence of
professional female actresses for the first time in the history of the theatre, and (3) scripts
and performances reflected on the aristocracy of King Charles II, depicting the members
of the upper class as being promiscuous rakes and libertines.
The restoration period, indeed, marked the end of the Puritan period. It was also
the beginning of the features and styles of literature.
10. Explain the contributions of the American and English literature.
Contributions of English Literature:
Freedom of Speech & Expression (Areopagitica by J. Milton)
The polemic tract of John Milton paved the way for press freedom
not just in England and Europe but also for the rest of the world. It
stressed the importance of learning through reading.
Culture
The literature of England basically depicts the culture of the
country. The readers of todays generation will know the culture of
Europeans and adapt the good things about it (e.g. chivalric code).
Contributions of the American Literature
Creative writing styles (Modernist Perspective)
Modernist writers used their own style of writing without
following the required rhyme scheme, meter, etc. It encouraged

writers of the present generation to use their style in writing as

well.
Religious Freedom
The Puritan period also paved the way for religious freedom. When
Charles I was beheaded, the Puritans were given the freedom. Up
until now, we able to express our faith and beliefs freely without
criticisms.

References:
https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/lcolor.html
http://www.iep.utm.edu/am-trans/
http://thoreau.eserver.org/amertran.html
http://www.bartleby.com/60/203.html
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_were_the_main_characteristics_of_Elizabethan_drama
http://www.dictionarycentral.com/definition/elizabethan-drama.html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/188217/English-literature/12814/Elizabethan-lyric