Here are some key figures and movements within this period, highlighting the writers who significantly contributed to the development of Philippine literature:
Early Filipino Writers in English:
* José Rizal: Though writing before the American period, Rizal's novels, *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*, became influential for their critiques of Spanish colonialism, inspiring nationalist sentiment.
* Ferdinand Blumentritt: A Czech scholar who corresponded with Rizal and advocated for Filipino rights.
* Graciano López Jaena: A journalist and orator who founded the newspaper *La Solidaridad* and campaigned for reforms within the Spanish government.
Modernist Writers:
* Claro M. Recto: A lawyer, politician, and writer who advocated for Filipino nationalism and cultural independence.
* Carlos P. Romulo: A diplomat, soldier, and journalist who wrote about the Filipino experience during World War II.
* Paz Marquez Benitez: A novelist known for her realistic portrayals of Filipino life and social issues in stories like "Dead Stars."
* Zoilo Galang: Authored the first full-length English novel by a Filipino, *A Child of Sorrow*.
* Juan C. Laya: Known for his historical novels and his use of Filipino cultural elements.
* Bienvenido N. Santos: A writer whose works explored themes of migration and social alienation, with stories like "The Man Who (Thought He) Could Fly."
* Nick Joaquin: A renowned writer and essayist whose works, like "The Woman Who Had Two Navels," dealt with Filipino history, mythology, and social commentary.
Writers in Tagalog and other Regional Languages:
* Lope K. Santos: A Tagalog writer and linguist who championed the development of Tagalog as a national language.
* Aurelio Tolentino: A playwright known for his nationalist works, particularly the play *Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas* (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow).
* Severino Reyes: A prolific playwright who wrote for the popular "komedya" or "moriones" genre.
* Jose Corazon de Jesus: A poet known as "Huseng Batute" for his satirical and social commentary.
* P.G. Santos: A notable writer in Cebuano language.
Post-World War II Writers:
* Manuel Arguilla: Known for his short stories like "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" which captured the rural Filipino experience.
* Amado V. Hernandez: A poet and activist whose works often addressed social justice and labor issues.
* Francisco Sionil Jose: A prolific writer whose works, like the "Rosales Saga," explored Philippine history and social issues.
* Lualhati Bautista: A writer who focused on women's issues and social realities in works like "Dekada '70" (The Decade of the '70s).
This is not an exhaustive list, as numerous other writers contributed to the literary landscape of the American regime. It's important to consider the various voices, genres, and themes that emerged during this period, shaping Philippine literature into its multifaceted form today.