During this period, the Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period.
Answer (1)
The "dark period" in Philippine literature in English refers to the years of martial law under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos, which lasted from 1972 to 1981. During this time, there was severe repression of free expression, including in the arts and literature. Many writers were censored or intimidated into silence, while others went underground or used allegory and symbolism to critique the government subtly.Although some literary works continued to be published, the atmosphere of fear and control stifled much of the creative output. The period also led to a rise in activism in literature, with many authors focusing on themes of social injustice, oppression, and resistance. Writers who opposed the Marcos dictatorship often found their work banned, and some were even imprisoned or exiled.Despite these challenges, the dark period also gave rise to some notable works that reflected the harsh realities of the time, as well as the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Writers like F. Sionil José, Ninotchka Rosca, and Edgardo M. Reyes contributed to this rich, if constrained, body of literature. After the lifting of martial law and the fall of the Marcos regime in 1986, Philippine literature in English experienced a resurgence of creativity and freedom.
