Japanese Occupation(1942-1960)

• Because of strict censorship, literature was minimal during this time. All writings in English came to an absolute halt. If there was something good about this is that pieces in the vernacular were given a chance to flourish. The tone of most literary pieces was pessimistic and bitter.
• Tagalog poets broke away from the Balagtas tradition and instead wrote in simple language and free verse.
• Ficiton prevailed over poetry
• Haiku - a poem free verse that the Japanese liked. It is made up of 17 syllables divided into 3 lines.
• Tanaga - It is short but has measure and rhyme. Each line has 17 syllables and is also allegorical in meaning.
• Karaniwang anyo - the usual form of poetry
• Bountiful harvest in poetry, fiction, drama, and essay.
• Filipino writers mastered English and familiarized themselves with diverse techniques.
• Literary giants appeared Palanca Awardees for Literature (Jose Garcia Villa, and Nick Joaquin who are also both proclaimed as National Artists)