2008. In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that
emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main
character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be used to highlight
the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor
character serves as a foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how
the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of
the work.
Foils can be very powerful tools in a work of literature. Not only can they bring out the characteristics of the main character, but they can also amplify the general meaning the work as a whole. This can be seen in Shakespeare's Macbeth, when the minor character of Macduff acts as a foil to Macbeth, highlighting the major idea of the play that power corrupts.
Macbeth and Macduff are pretty similar in the beginning of the play. Both are fairly well off men with good morals and strong consciences. They both live in Scotland and are devoted to their good king. The main thing that sets them apart is that Macbeth is suddenly given/ realizes he has the opportunity to become king and get more power. Macduff is just a nobleman, and he's not really in position to become king. This one difference sends the two men on very different paths, and shows what a negative effect power can have on the conscience.
We see that Macbeth starts out with pretty strong morals, because he agonizes over killing King Duncan. He even hallucinates that he sees a bloody dagger before the murder because he's so nervous. Still, the need for power overcomes his qualms, and he commits the murder. After that, he becomes ruthless and will do anything to get the throne. He even kills his best friend, Banquo. The murders get more and more senseless as he orders Macduff's completely innocent wife and son to be killed. All of Macbeth's actions after he hears the prophecy are for his own gain. They are completely motivated by greed.
Macduff's does commit murder as well (he kills Macbeth), but he does it to save the lives of many more and to avenge his family's death. He has no personal gain from his actions. He doesn't have any chance of getting the throne; he just wants Malcolm, the wise, just , rightful heir to the throne to be king. He acts for the good of his country, not himself. He maintains his morals and commits none of the senseless slaughter of innocents that Macbeth gets into.
Macduff plays a key role in bringing out the idea that power corrupts. He represents Macbeth without the opportunity for more power. As described above, he is extremely devoted to his king and country, and only commits violence necessary to stop further violence and help his country. Seeing him contrast so sharply with Macbeth, who starts out similar to him but by the end is so messed up he has little trouble killing a harmless child, shows readers what an impact even the possibility of gaining more power can have on a person. Macduff's character acts as a foil to Macbeth to show that power is the driving force behind Macbeth's downfall, as it can act as a force of corruption on any normal, moral human being.
In your introduction paragraph, I think it would be a good idea next time to include how Macduff served as a foil to Macbeth. Like quickly state what you are going to be talking about throughout the following paragraphs in your thesis. Your first two body paragraphs are heavily talked on about Macbeth and not so much Macduff. In fact, it's really only clear that you tell us that Macduff is a good guy in the end of paragraph four. I like your final paragraph and I'm glad you wrapped everything up nicely. There is a few long sentences, but I really enjoyed the final sentences. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sydney,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stacy that in your intro paragraph you should list two or three reasons how Macbeth and MacDuff are foils. If I got this prompt, I would freeze without a clue of what to write about and I think you selected an excellent example. Be cautious of summarizing too much. The second paragraph seems like a list of events to me. Instead of explaining all of Macbeth's slayings, I think simply saying "he commits senseless murders" is sufficient (plus a few extra details) to get the picture across. I think you have all the pieces here, you just need a little better organization of ideas ( a common struggle I have).
P.S.
I must mention how much I love the watercolor background :)
Hello Sydney
ReplyDeleteYour first paragraph is pretty straightforward, and your following paragraphs are well constructed. I liked how you used some pretty clear examples for your evidence, and they seemed to flow pretty smoothly with your reasoning and explanations. Contrary to what Stacy and Audrey have said (sorry), I think that your theme statement can work. Adding more specifics to give it a better direction is good, but from what I have seen in the Open Prompts part one, a theme statement such as the one here will not stop you from getting a 9 grade. I could be wrong.