Foils

A detailed Summary of Foils


A character that might parallel yet contrast another is said to be a foil. A foil is used to clarify character traits as well as issues in stories and plays. An example of this would be Iago and Othello from the Shakespeare play Othello. Othello is a trustworthy and upstanding individual who has a slight problem as far as spontaneity is concerned. Iago, on the other hand, is deceptive and manipulative, but Iago thinks things out thoroughly. Shakespeare uses these two characters against each other to further bring out their good and bad traits. This idea of a foil seems to be a recurring tool that Shakespeare uses in his plays. Shakespeare clarifies character traits in Hamlet by the use of foils.

One of the best examples of foils in the play is Hamlet against Laertes. At the beginning of the play, we all know that Hamlets father was killed. He has this trait in common with Laertes later on in the play when his father Polonius is killed by Hamlet. At this point, both me are seeking vengeance for a fathers death. This shows perhaps, Hamlet's "fatal" or "tragic" flaw. Hamlet hesitates at every opportunity he has to kill Claudius with Laertes is willing to seek vengeance immediately. Laertes says:


With this slave's offal: bloody, bawdy, kindless villian!

From this quote we see that Hamlet does not like himself for not being able to deal with his problem accordingly. This also implies that had the same circumstances been given to Horatio, he would have handled the situation better than Hamlet.

Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave..."

Let come what comes; only I'll be revenged



Some common words found in the essay are:
Claudius Laertes, Whenever Horatio, Queens Closet, Hamlet Claudius, Ophelia Polonius, Othello Othello, Horatio Hamlet's, Hamlet Laertes, Polonius Ophelia, , king hamlet, character traits, king hamlet claudius, murdered king, bring bad, shakespeare play, death hamlet's, shakespeare plays, loves love, hamlet claudius, ophelia polonius, murdered king hamlet,

Approximate Word count = 1142
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Foils in Hamlet The Foils of Hamlet Hamlet, Fortinbras and Laertes have something in common. All their fathers have been killed and they are searching ... 993 words
  • Dramatic Foils in Huckleberry Finn ... Dramatic foils play a premier role in Huckleberry Finn. ... His use of the dramatic foils in this novel demonstrates his realistic tendencies. ... 893 words
  • Hamlet and Fortinbras as foils In Hamlet the character of Fortinbras, a young Norwegian prince, has been used as a foil for the main character Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. ... 936 words
  • Hamlet and Laertes are Dramatic Foils Due to their different personalities, Hamlet and Laertes are dramatic foils. A dramatic foil is a character who contrasts with another character. ... 431 words
  • Fifth Business Character foils of Dunstan Ramsay and Percy ... Robertson Daviesamp39 novel, Fifth Business, revolves around guilt, competition, and two men who are foils of each other. Although Dunstan ... 705 words

Professional Essays

  • The film and television versions of MASH ... they help to save. In both versions of MASH, the nurses are used as romantic foils for the doctors. The television show, however ... 753 words
  • Pappy Boyington ampamp The Flying Tigers ... Authoramp39s Note. His foils are senior officers who insist on going by the books and are sticklers for following the rules. Boyington ... 835 words
  • Hamlet ... Throughout the play, Hamlet manages to outsmart his uncle. He foils Claudius plans to have him murdered by enlisting the aid of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. ... 1273 words
  • AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION: STRATEGIC AUDIT ... Papers, films, and foils coated with adhesive and sold in rolls produced by the company are sold to printing industry companies. ... 3296 words
  • HONEYPOTS and Hackers ... Some hackers consider hacking to be a political activity that foils the plans of the governing elite to control individuals political and economically. ... 1792 words
  • Raymond Carver Short Story ... Throughout, Nick and Laura serve more as foils than participants, but in fact they serve very important purposes as a contrast with their friends and also as ... 1450 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.