Foil-1

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.