Comparing Boys and Girls by Alice Munro and A Clean Well-Lighted Place by Hemingway :: comparison compare contrast essays

Importance of Foils in Boys and Girls and A Clean Well-Lighted Place A Handbook to Literature says that the word foil literally means a leaf or a sheet of bright metal placed under a piece of jewelry to increase its brilliance (Foil). indeed when applied to literature, the term refers to a piece who makes a contrast with another, especially a minor character who helps set off a major character (Barnett et al. 1331). For example, a foolish character whitethorn place a wise characters wisdom in a stronger light, or a cowardly character may make the heros actions appear even more courageous. A foil is frequently an antagonist or confidant, but whoever the foil might be, the purpose is to illuminate whiz or more significant traits, attitudes or actions of a main character (Foil NTCE).   In the story, A Clean Well-Lighted Place, by Ernest Hemingway, the younger waiter is a foil for both the erstwhile(a) waiter and the old man who comes to drink in the café. The quondam(a) waiter is concerned for the old man who has tried and true to kill himself. He understands that there are many lonely people who need a safe, well-lighted place to escape loneliness at night.   The older waiter makes the comment near the end of the story that each night I am reluctant to close up because there may be someone who needs the café (1172). The older waiter is sympathetic to the old man because he himself is lonely. He confesses that I am of those who like to stay late at the café, with all those who need a light for the night (1172).   On the other hand, the younger waiter has a wife to go home to and is irritated at the old man because he will not leave. He even says to the old man, who is deaf, You should have killed yourself last week (1170). This cruel remark contrasts sharply with the older waiters characteristics of compassion, friendliness, and tolerance.   In the story, Boys and Girls, by Alice Munro, Laird is the foil for his siste r, the narrator of the story. When the children are young, Lairds behavior contrasts with the maturity and responsibility shown by the girl. While she is busy watering the foxes, he goes off and swings himself sickening . . . going around in circles or tries to catch caterpillars (987).