The Bedsore Club

Philippine is a country rich in diversity and language heritage. Even before Spanish colonization, its literature had evolved tremendously. Some of the notable literatures are a general reflection of the influence exerted by Spaniards during the colonization of Philippine. During pre-colonial times, there has been widespread evidence that the island inhabitants display a culture rich with traditions. Folk speeches, folk songs and indigenous rituals are part of their daily lives. The infusion of such elements represents a lifestyle deeply ingrained in the locals. An understanding on the history of Philippine literature will allow us to appreciate the literary riches of this nation.

The colonization by Spain did not subject literature development to a halt. Rather, it breathed a different kind of life into the local literary works. European civilization was imbued into the local traditions through religion and institutions. During that period of time, performing theaters were introduced and the local languages experienced enrichment. Much later, Spain brought about liberal ideas and a sense of internationalism to the people of Philippines. Similar to the period of renaissance, it has substantial influence on local intellectuals. They start to question and portray the meanings of “liberty and freedom” in their works. The history of Philippine literature demonstrates that the combination of realism and surrealism gives rise to some of the greatest Philippines literature today.

19th century marks a change in the literary development when Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe wrote about colonization and the associated downsides. This realization brought about a reformation movement which eventually led to the downfall of the Spanish colonial. The history of Philippine literature was once again marked by a change when English was introduced. The introduction of English language led to the slow demise of Spanish, and subsequently literature written in Spanish. The sustaining use of English language birthed some of the well known English poems, short stories and once again enriched the local literature in a unique way.

Upon examination, we will discover that Philippine literature encompasses a way of life and values cherished by the locals. The local literature is a uniting element among its people, and will continue to evolve as enriched by modern changes.

The ever growing eminence of politics all around the globe has compelled writers to express their relevant views time and time again. This is for the most part to make people aware of the political tools employed by leaders and the affects of the decisions taken by them on behalf of an entire nation. Politics, just another science with its many logics and interpretations, could not have been anymore minimally put than the words lined up within Corrie Ten Boom’s ‘The hiding place’ which was perhaps a vintage best-seller in the 1970′s.

This book is an inspirational autobiography written in the year 1971 and it was dedicated to an inspirational figure named Corrie Ten Boom. The authors of this book are the very brilliant John and Elizabeth Sherill of course while having Corrie Ten Boom on board herself to give the book just the right tinge of realism. This book according to the authors was at first based on another notion that would have entitled the book as the ‘God’s smuggler’ but that’s when Corrie Ten Boom’s remarkable anecdote struck their creative minds. This led them to believe in the fact that it would have been a great loss for the literary world if this book was not written. This book was written during the time when Nazi’s took over the realm of Holland; Nazi stands for National Socialist German workers party which worked under ‘Adolph Hitler’ and carried forward a German ideology which was based on their revenge from the Jews who were successful in executing their conspiracy by the end of World War I. They primarily supported Pan-German views, welfare of the state, taxation, racism, economic and political liberalism and last but certainly not the least anti-communism.

Corrie was celebrated because of the known ‘Iron curtain’ that she provided needy people with after which she was honored with the title of ‘Double-old Grand mother’ in Vietnam. Corrie’s missionary work inspired John and Elizabeth Sherill to think twice before writing ‘God’s smuggler’ which they had planned to write along with having a chapter in it purely dedicated to Corrie Ten Boom’s work and courage but eventually they learnt that this woman is a chronicle of strength and love in herself which is worthy enough to write a book on. The story revolves around the Ten Boom family who were living a trouble-free life residing in Haarlem, Holland until they gave Jews a place to hide for the sake of humanity which explains the horrid experiences that they had to come across throughout the book.

The writers through this book prepare the readers time and time again for this courageous woman along with her obvious traits; a constant expression of gratitude, peace and calm in spite of the awful experiences that she went through during the most significant years of her lifetime. The book ‘Hiding place’ is a great achievement on the author’s part because of the display of the deep love for what is important for God and how His love will remain a protective shadow falling upon us each day. There could be no better example to portray the eminence of Humanity than the Ten Boom family and the secret place they created for the welfare of Human kind. Moreover, the book also conveys the message that politics is not all about spite and rivalry but it can rather be acknowledged as a dignified path to attain desired goals by employing ways that are approved by God and by serving mankind the best way possible.