Day: August 13, 2023

Introduction

Free verse is a form of poetry characterized by its departure from conventional metrical and rhyming patterns. It lacks a fixed structure, allowing for greater freedom in line length, rhythm, and organization.

In this poetic output, poets focus on conveying meaning through imagery, language, and thematic exploration rather than adhering to predetermined formal constraints. This style encourages a fluid and natural flow, emphasizing the significance of individual expression and the unique interplay between content and form.

How to Write Free Verse

Step	Explanation	Example
Understanding Free Verse	Acquaint yourself with the concept characterized by a lack of traditional rules.	Imagine crafting a poem about urban life in which rhythm mimics the hustle and bustle of city streets.
Selecting a Theme	Choose a subject that resonates with you as free verse allows diverse themes to be explored.	Go for “identity” as a theme, and go into its dimensions through personal experiences and culture.
Exploring Perspectives	Explore through various viewpoints on your chosen theme, broadening the poem’s emotional and intellectual scope.	Analyze identity through lenses of ethnicity, gender, and generational differences for a richer narrative.
Embracing Imagery	Use sensory descriptions to evoke emotions and immerse readers in the atmosphere of the poem.	Depict a scene where “melancholic raindrops kiss cobblestones, painting a portrait of solitude in the city.”
Playing with Language	Experiment with language, utilizing metaphors, similes, and unconventional phrasings to enhance meaning.	Compare “time” to a “wandering minstrel, whispering tales of yesterday and tomorrow in hushed verses.”
Structural Fluidity	Let the structure show the essence of theme, allowing lines and stanzas to flow organically.	Create lines that flow like a conversation, capturing the spontaneity of moments shared among diverse voices.
Line Breaks and Pacing	Strategically place line breaks to control the poem’s rhythm, creating pauses and emphasizing thoughts.	Break lines to capture pauses in conversation, revealing the unspoken nuances that shape diverse identities.
Symbolism and Allusion	Incorporate symbols or allusions to add depth, drawing from cultural references to amplify the poem’s layers.	Integrate imagery of “phoenix” to symbolize rebirth, invoking narratives of renewal across different cultures.
Revising and Refining	Review the poem for clarity and coherence, ensuring each word contributes to the theme and message.	Polish lines, removing surplus words, allowing the poem’s essence to shine in its succinct exploration of identity.
Feedback and Perspective	Seek input from peers and teachers to have a good insight into the poem’s impact, considering diverse viewpoints for refinement.	Share the poem with colleagues, inviting feedback on how the portrayal of identity resonates across backgrounds.
Finalizing Your Work	Make final adjustments based on feedback, ensuring the poem conveys the intended emotions and insights.	Revise with feedback in mind, refining imagery and language to ensure the poem reflects a tapestry of identities.
Reflection on Themes	Reflect on how the exploration of diverse perspectives enriched the poem’s depth and thematic resonance.	Contemplate how weaving together various facets of identity created a poem that mirrors the complexity of humanity.

This table demonstrates practical steps for writing this poetry, using the example of exploring the theme of “identity.” Each step reflects your aim to encourage students’ engagement with literary creation.

Benefits of Using Free Verse

• Expressive Freedom: Free verse allows unrestricted creativity, enabling poets/writers to convey emotions and ideas without the constraints of traditional rhyme and meter.
• Authentic Voice: Poets can use their natural speaking rhythms, making their verses sound more conversational and genuine, enhancing the personal connection with readers.
• Versatile Themes: The lack of formal structure accommodates a wide range of themes and subjects, facilitating the exploration of current, complex and multidimensional topics.
• Innovative Imagery: Poets can experiment with unique imagery and figurative language, increasing the impact of their verses and offering fresh perspectives.
• Emotional Resonance: Organic flow and intimate language of the free verse create a direct emotional link with readers, creating engagement and reflection.
• Accessible: Its approachability makes free verse accessible to both experienced poets and newcomers, democratizing poetry creation and appreciation.
• Reflecting Modernity: In a changing literary landscape, free verse aligns with the evolving sensibilities of the modern readers and writers.
• Encouraging Interpretation: The absence of rigid rules encourages diverse interpretations, promoting rich discussions and critical thinking.
• Capturing Moments: Free verse excels at capturing fleeting moments, making it an apt medium for conveying transient experiences and emotions.
• Innovative Structures: While free from traditional constraints, poets can still employ innovative line breaks and stanza arrangements to enhance meaning.

Free Verse in Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Perspective & Key Points	Application to Critique of Free Verse Poetry	Practical Example
Formalism	Focus on Form and Structure	Analyze how Free Verse adheres to or deviates from traditional poetic forms.	It may examines the rhythmic patterns and line breaks in a Free Verse poem to analyze or discuss deliberate structural choices.
Chaos Theory	Embracing Complexity and Unpredictability	Explore how Free Verse captures chaotic and nonlinear aspects of human experience.	It may analyze how seemingly random imagery and shifts in tone in a Free Verse poem reflect the unpredictability of emotions.
Globalization Theory	Cross-Cultural Exchange and Influence	Examine how Free Verse reflects global cultural interactions and influences.	It can identify cultural references from various parts of the world within a Free Verse poem and analyzing how they contribute to its meaning.
Feminism	Gender & Power Dynamics	Critique how Free Verse portrays gender roles, empowerment, and societal expectations.	It can analyze the representation of women and their agency in a Free Verse poem, considering how it challenges or reinforces traditional gender norms.
Queer Theory	Non-Heteronormative Perspectives	Explore how Free Verse can express diverse sexual orientations and challenge heteronormativity.	It could be used to interpret the use of language and imagery in a Free Verse poem to uncover hidden or explicit queer narratives.
Indigenous Theory	Indigenous Perspectives & Decolonization	Consider how Free Verse engages with indigenous voices and reclaims cultural identity.	It could analyze references to indigenous traditions and landscapes in a Free Verse poem, examining how they contribute to decolonization efforts.

Incorporating these various literary theories into the critique of free verse poetry allows for a comprehensive examination of its intricacies and multifaceted meanings. By applying each perspective, students and teachers are able to unveil layers of interpretation that contribute to a richer understanding of the poems.

Suggested Readings

1. Hirshfield, Jane. Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry. HarperCollins, 1997.
2. Kooser, Ted. The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets. University of Nebraska Press, 2005.
3. Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Mariner Books, 1994.
4. Roethke, Theodore. The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke. Doubleday, 1966.
5. Young, Dean. The Art of Recklessness: Poetry as Assertive Force and Contradiction. Graywolf Press, 2009.
6. Snyder, Gary. The Practice of the Wild: Essays. North Point Press, 1990.
7. Strand, Mark, and Eavan Boland, editors. The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms. W. W. Norton & Company, 2001.
8. Vendler, Helen. Poems, Poets, Poetry: An Introduction and Anthology. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.

Etymology of Free Verse

Etymologically, free verse is made up of two words; free and verse. It is the translation of verse libre. It originated in 1880 in France in rebellion against the restrictions posed by the poetic canons. Charles Baudelaire is credited to have used the free verse for the first time followed by English and American points Walt Whitman and T. S. Eliot.

Origin of Free Verse

It is stated that Gustave Kahn is the first poet who used free verse poetry in 1886 in France. His poems used to appear in the journal, La Vogue. His poetry was popular for its complexity, natural style and flexibility.

Opinions about Literary Device Free Verse

Poet	Opinion
Charles Allen	Charles Allen proposes that free verse poetry liberates poets from the rigid confines of metrical rhythm. It allows for greater rhythmic flexibility, enabling poets to experiment with varying cadences and structures.
Donald Hall	Donald Hall’s perspective contrasts with Allen’s. He posits that while this type of verse offers more creative freedom than traditional verse forms, it is not entirely without constraints. There are still elements within free verse that shape the poet’s expression.
T.S. Eliot	T.S. Eliot’s viewpoint diverges significantly. He asserts that free verse lacks the gravitas needed for serious poetry and discerning readers. According to him, the absence of formal constraints in such poetry results in a lack of depth and quality.
Kenneth Allott	Kenneth Allott perceives free verse as vers libre, driven by a quest for novelty and innovation. He suggests that free verse emerged as a reaction against established norms, signaling a desire to explore new creative territories.
John Livingston Lowes	John Livingston Lowes characterizes free verse as a form that straddles the boundary between poetry and beautiful prose. He highlights the aesthetic beauty of free verse, noting its resemblance to prose while retaining its inherent poetic essence.

These various perspectives on free verse reflect the diversity of opinions within the realm of literary criticism. It is evident that different poets hold distinct viewpoints on the nature of free verse, ranging from its potential for rhythmic experimentation to its ability to transcend traditional poetic norms. Such debates within the realm of poetic theory contribute to the dynamic discourse surrounding literary creativity and expression.

Definition of Free Verse as Literary Device

As a literary device, free verse shows the use of inconsistent or no metrical patterns, rhyme scheme or syllable pattern. It rather follows the rhythm of natural speech.

Common Features of Free Verse

1. Absence of Metrical or Rhythmic Pattern: It liberates itself from the constraints of metrical and rhythmic patterns, allowing poets to explore a more fluid and organic rhythm in their compositions.
2. Lack of Rhyme Scheme: Unlike traditional verse forms, free verse disregards the necessity for a structured rhyme scheme. Poets working with free verse have the freedom to utilize rhyme selectively or not at all.
3. Adoption of Natural Language: Free verse aligns itself with the cadences, pauses, and rhythms of natural language. This approach contributes to a conversational and unforced quality in the poetry.
4. Deviation from Poetic Formalities: It breaks away from conventional poetic conventions, granting poets the liberty to forgo established rules related to line length, stanza structure, and other formalities. This enables a more innovative and adaptable approach to composition.

Literary Examples of Free Verse

Example # 1

From “Possibilities” by Wislawa Szymborska

I prefer movies.

I prefer cats.

I prefer the oaks along the Warta.

I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky.

I prefer myself liking people

to myself loving mankind.

I prefer keeping a needle and thread on hand, just in case.

I prefer the color green.

I prefer not to maintain

that reason is to blame for everything.

I prefer exceptions.

This short excerpt from the poem “Possibilities” by Polish Nobel Laureate, Wislawa Szymborska، shows the use of free verse. She has expressed her every desire in very simple terms disregarding all poetic restraints and limits. There is no metrical pattern, no rhythm, no notes, and absolutely no rhyme scheme. Yet, there is a theme and a music. This is because of the success of vers libre in poetry.

Example # 2

From “Harvest at Mynachlog” by Gillian Clarke

At last the women come with baskets,

The older one in flowered apron,

A daisied cloth covering the bread

And dappled china, sweet tea

In a vast can. The women stoop

Spreading their cups in the clover.

Although it is in vers libre, Gillian Clarke presents a beautiful story of women with an older women carrying flowered apron and sweat tea in a can. They spread their cups to receive the tea. There is no metrical pattern, no poetic complexities, and no poetic devices. This shows the beautiful use of the literary device, free verse.

Example # 3

From “A Blackbird Singing“ R. S. Thomas 

It seems wrong that out of this bird,
Black, bold, a suggestion of dark
Places about it, there yet should come
Such rich music, as though the notes’
Ore were changed to a rare metal
At one touch of that bright bill.

Although written in a loaded language, this beautiful poetic piece shows the use free verse. There is no rhyme scheme whatsovere and no metrical pattern. Yet, it has a music due to the metephoracial language and pointed use of words.

Example # 4

From “A Sleeping Black Boy” Mongane Wally Serote

He lay flat

Face deep into the green grass

The huge jacket covered his head, the heat onto his ears

He is dirty

The dirt screams from his flesh like a rotten smell.

This combination of highly short and terse verses with long and pointed verses show the success of free verse. This South African poet, Mongane Wally Serote has beautifully presented the picture of a black boy, showing that the very color denotes the situation of the boy he is trapped in.

Example # 5

From “A Magic Mountain” by Czeslaw Milosz

Budberg: a familiar name in my childhood.  

They were prominent in our region,  

This Russian family, descendants of German Balts.  

I read none of his works, too specialized.  

And Chen, I have heard, was an exquisite poet,  

Which I must take on faith, for he wrote in Chinese.

This beautiful piece from the poem from the Polish poet, Czslaw Milosz, presents a Russian family in the area of the poet. Although it clearly seems that the presentation is poetic and yet it is free of all poetic restrictions. There is no metrical pattern, no rhythm and no rhyme scheme.

Example # 6

From “Children in Wartime” Isobel Thrilling

Sirens ripped open
the warm silk of sleep;
we ricocheted to the shelter
moated by streets
that ran with darkness.
People said it was a storm,
but flak
had not the right sound
for rain;
thunder left such huge craters
of silence,
we knew this was no giant
playing bowls.

This crispy poetic extract from the poem of an English poet, Isobel Thrilling, shows that best poetic piece could be written disregarding poetic restrictions. This poetic piece presents sirens, the public attitude and the rain and silence but there is no rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This is a beautiful free verse poem.

Suggested Readings

1. Hirshfield, Jane. Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry. HarperCollins, 1997.
2. Kooser, Ted. The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets. University of Nebraska Press, 2005.
3. Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Mariner Books, 1994.
4. Roethke, Theodore. The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke. Doubleday, 1966.
5. Young, Dean. The Art of Recklessness: Poetry as Assertive Force and Contradiction. Graywolf Press, 2009.
6. Snyder, Gary. The Practice of the Wild: Essays. North Point Press, 1990.
7. Strand, Mark, and Eavan Boland, editors. The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms. W. W. Norton & Company, 2001.
8. Vendler, Helen. Poems, Poets, Poetry: An Introduction and Anthology. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.

Introduction

In literary analysis, a foil character serves as a contrasting counterpart to another character, thereby accentuating specific traits and qualities in both individuals. This device illuminates distinct attributes and motivations, facilitating a deeper understanding of the primary character’s complexities.

By juxtaposing their differing characteristics, foils highlight major themes, conflicts, and character development, enriching the narrative. Through meticulous examination of these contrasting personas, readers and students try to unveil layers of significance that contribute to a more comprehensive interpretation of the work.

How to Create Foil Characters

Type	Explanation	Example
Introduction of Foil	Such characters are introduced as a literary device to create contrast and depth among characters.	In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s wit is highlighted through her interactions with the more reserved Jane.
Complementing Traits	Foil characters possess contrasting traits that accentuate the main character’s qualities.	In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll’s morality is emphasized by the stark contrast with Mr. Hyde’s malevolence.
Individuality and Motivation	Such characters are crafted as individuals with unique motivations, adding complexity to the narrative.	In The Great Gatsby, Tom Buchanan’s arrogance stems from his wealthy background, contrasting with Gatsby’s origins.
Contrasting Behavior	Foil characters exhibit behavior that contrasts with the main character, highlighting nuanced aspects.	In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago’s deceitful nature underscores Othello’s trusting and noble disposition.
Narrative Tension	Interaction between the main character and the foil character creates tension and propels the plot forward.	In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s cynicism clashes with his sister Phoebe’s innocence, driving the story.
Catalyst for Growth	Such characters catalyze the main character’s growth through challenges, prompting self-discovery and change.	In Jane Eyre, St. John Rivers’ rigid pursuit of duty contrasts with Jane’s journey to find love and autonomy.
Thematic Significance	Foil characters can embody thematic messages, reinforcing central ideas and adding layers of meaning.	In Heart of Darkness, Kurtz’s descent into savagery contrasts with Marlow’s exploration of the darkness within.

NOTE: The use of such characters is a highly effective literary technique that adds depth and complexity to narratives. By strategically introducing characters with contrasting traits, authors illuminate various facets of their protagonists’ personalities, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the themes and messages the story offers. This technique not only enhances character development but also engages readers by creating tension and highlighting the moral dilemmas and growth trajectories of the main characters.

Benefits of Foil Characters

1. Enhances Character Development: Foil characters deepen protagonists by highlighting traits, revealing their growth over time.
2. Adds Complexity and Depth to the Story: Foil characters introduce intricate layers to the narrative, making it more immersive.
3. Creates Tension and Conflict: Foil characters’ differences spark conflicts that advance the plot, keeping readers engaged.
4. Engages the Reader: Foil characters pique readers’ curiosity, encouraging them to analyze character dynamics.
5. Provides Social Commentary: Foil characters can subtly convey societal critiques or endorse cultural values.

Foil and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Critique of Foil	Example of Interpretation
Psychoanalytic	Foil character functions as the manifestation of the main character’s unconscious desires, fears, or conflicts.	In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde embodies Dr. Jekyll’s repressed dark side and inner turmoil.
Structuralism	Foil character exemplifies binary oppositions inherent in the narrative’s structure, highlighting thematic conflicts.	In Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy symbolizes the opposition between the forces of good (Harry) and evil (Draco).
Feminist	Foil character challenges traditional gender roles, exposing power imbalances and societal expectations.	In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett’s assertive personality contrasts with the conventional role of women represented by her sister Jane.
Globalization Theory	Foil character embodies cultural clashes between local values and global influences, reflecting the complexities of a changing world.	In The Namesake, Gogol’s struggle with his Indian heritage and American identity serves as a foil to his parents’ more traditional beliefs.
Chaos Theory	Foil character disrupts societal norms and established order, revealing hidden chaos and the fragility of control.	In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Randle McMurphy’s rebellious behavior challenges the institution’s authority and order enforced by Nurse Ratched.
Indigenous Critical Theory	Foil character represents indigenous values and cultural wisdom, contrasting with dominant cultures and perspectives.	In Ceremony, Tayo’s connection to Native American rituals contrasts with the destructive impact of Western colonization on his community.
Postcolonialism	Foil character embodies the tensions and conflicts resulting from colonialism, highlighting cultural clashes and hybrid identities.	In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s adherence to traditional Igbo values clashes with the introduction of Western ideals, showcasing the impact of colonization on his society.
Deconstructionism	Foil character challenges binary oppositions and fixed meanings, revealing the instability and multiplicity of interpretations.	In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lord Henry’s influence blurs the distinction between good and evil, serving as a foil to Dorian’s internal moral struggle.
Marxist	Foil character exposes class disparities and socioeconomic tensions, reflecting broader societal inequalities.	In Great Expectations, Joe Gargery’s working-class background contrasts with Miss Havisham’s aristocratic privilege, highlighting the disparity between different social classes.

Suggested Readings

1. Matthews, Honor. Character and symbol in Shakespeare’s plays. CUP Archive, 1962.
2. Card, Orson Scott. Characters and Viewpoint. Writer’s Digest Books, 1988.
3. Eagleton, Terry. Introduction to Literary Theory. Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
4. Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2011.
5. Bal, Mieke. Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative. University of Toronto Press, 2009.
6. Abbott, H. Porter. The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
7. Moxey, Keith. The Practice of Theory: Poststructuralism, Cultural Politics, and Art History. Cornell University Press, 1994.
8. Wellek, René, and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. Harcourt, Brace, 1956.

Etymology of Foil

The term “foil” has originated from the Old French word foille. It means “leaf.” The term later emerged in Middle English to refer to a thin piece of metal or another material placed under a gemstone intended to enhance its appearance.

Meanings of Foil Literary Device

1. Foil (Character)

It is a literary device that involves the use of a character contrasting with another character to highlight their distinctive qualities. By placing two contrasting characters side by side, the authors emphasize their differences and enhance the understanding of each characters’ traits, motivations, or actions.

• Foil (Plot)

The term also refers to a plot device in literature. In this context, a foil is an event, situation, or character that contrasts with the main plot or storyline and accentuates its main theme, motif or idea.

• Foil (Symbolism)

It also refers to a symbolic device in literature. Symbolic foils are objects, settings, or elements that contrast with each other to convey a deeper meaning or enhance the overall symbolism in a story.

• Foil (Language)

In language and rhetoric, the term is a technique in which one word or phrase provides contrast or emphasis to another word or phrase. Using a foil in language, writers or speakers draw attention to specific ideas, concepts, or emotions, enhancing the impact of their message.

• Foil (Metal)

Outside the realm of literature, it refers to a thin, flexible sheet of metal such as aluminum foil. While not directly related to the literary device, it is important to know this meaning.

Foil as a word in Grammar

1. As a noun, “foil” refers to a thin and flexible sheet of metal, usually made of aluminum. It is often used for wrapping or covering food, as well as for various other purposes such as insulation or crafting.
2. As an adjective, it describes something made of or resembles foil. Or it describes something that prevents the success or fulfillment of another thing. For example, a “foil wrapper” is a wrapper made of foil, and a “foil character” is a character that contrasts with and enhances the qualities of another character.
3. As a verb, it means to prevent the success or fulfillment of something. It also means to contrast with or enhance the qualities of something or someone. For example, you can say, “He foiled their plans.” It means he prevented their plans from success. Or “The secondary character foils the protagonist” means the secondary character contrasts with and enhances the qualities of the protagonist.

Definition of Foil

In literature, a foil is a character introduced to contrast with another character usually the protagonist, and highlights his/her qualities, personality, or beliefs. The purpose of a foil is to stress upon the characteristics of the main character through comparison and contrast with the foil.

Types of Foil

Foil Type	Definition	Example
Character Foils	Two characters with opposite traits are used to highlight and emphasize their differences, often acting as a contrast to the main character.	Hamlet by Shakespeare shows thoughtful and introspective Hamlet contrasting with the rash and impulsive Laertes, highlighting their different approaches to revenge and illuminating Hamlet’s strengths and weaknesses.
Plot Foils	Storylines or plot elements highlight the main plot through a contrast.	In a novel, a subplot involving a character who consistently makes wise decisions and achieves a happy ending contrasts with the main plot, which may revolve around a character making poor choices and experiencing a tragic outcome.
Setting Foils	Two settings are used to contrast and emphasize their differences.	The Great Gatsby shows the wealthy and glamorous setting of the parties attended by the rich contrasts with the poor and rundown setting of the Valley of Ashes. It emphasizes the disparity between the social classes and the decay of the American Dream.

Literary Examples of Foil

• Napoleon and Snowball in Animal Farm serve as foils of each other. Each represents a contrasting leadership style and ideology. Whereas Napoleon embodies corruption, power hunger, and manipulation, Snowball shows him an idealistic visionary who strives for equality and promotes harmony. Their conflicts and the consequential expulsion of Snowball highlight the stark contrast between totalitarianism and the original goals of the revolution.
• Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy serve as foil characters in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Whereas Elizabeth is spirited, independent, and witty, Darcy is proud, aloof, and socially reserved. And when Elizabeth values intelligence, humor, and character, Darcy prefers social status. That is why their initial encounters are marked by misunderstanding and prejudice
• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby shows the character of Tom Buchanan serving as a foil to Jay Gatsby. Tom is portrayed as arrogant and entitled, while Gatsby is depicted as more humble and sincere. This contrast helps to emphasize Gatsby’s admirable qualities and makes him a more sympathetic character.
• “The Necklace” by Guy De Maupassant shows Mathilde Loisel, a discontented middle-class woman, serving as a foil to her husband, Monsieur Loisel. Mathilde feels dissatisfied with her life and dreams of wealth and luxury, constantly yearning for a higher social status. In contrast, Monsieur Loisel is content with their modest lifestyle and demonstrates humility and appreciation for what they have. This is how they serve as a foil to each other, living on opposite poles.
•  “The Gift of the Magi” by O, Henry shows Della Young and Jim Young serving as foil characters. Whereas Della is a selfless and loving wife who sells her prized possession, her long hair, to buy a gift for Jim, Jim sacrifices his treasured watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. Della’s desire to please Jim contrasts with Jim’s desire to please Della, showcasing their selflessness and the depth of their love.
• From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The protagonist, Scout Finch – tomboyish, curious, challenges prejudices, while his foil, Jem Finch is more mature, aware of racial tensions.

Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by S. H. Butcher, 1920.
2. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell, 2008.
3. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
4. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Vintage, 1993.
5. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2003.
6. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, Oxford University Press, 2008.
7. Wellek, René, and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1956.