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.
In the famous play by William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Lord Macbeth expresses insecurity on his own masculinity, which are cast further into light by the scheming words of his wife as she presses him to strive for power by killing the king of Scotland so he can take control of the kingdom. This is in stark contrast to the attitudes of Lord Macduff, who is unafraid to show sorrow or pain and expresses them freely when he views appropriate. Through Macbeth and his foil, Shakespeare provides commentary on the appropriate balance of masculinity and femininity.
Lord Macbeth's insecurity is easily seen through his wife's methods of controlling him. When he expresses discomfort with the idea of killing the king of Scotland, who has taken him in, is a good leader, and is his kin, she scorns him and accuses him of being weak and feminine. In response, he performs the necessary actions which lead to the deaths of the king, as well as his friend Banquo, who discovers the actions. Macbeth continues to order atrocious actions to be performed, including the murder of Lady Macduff and her innocent children in hearing that Lord Macduff would cause his downfall. Through his titular character's heinous actions, Shakespeare denounces those who focus too heavily on their appearance of masculinity and being what men ought to be.
Macbeth's foil, Lord Macduff, on the other hand, provides a contrasting take on masculinity. When Macduff is informed of the deaths of his wife and children, he does not pretend to hide his sorrow, but openly displays his grief. When the prince and rightful heir to the throne, Malcolm, questions him on his display, Macduff's response indicates that it is not shameful to mourn that which has been lost, nor does it show any sign of weakness in his status as a man. Though a minor character, Macduff's righteousness and honor endear him to the reader and his actions proclaim the appropriate response of man to painful news. Shakespeare uses Macduff to illustrate that proper balance of emotions, acclaiming his actions as those of a proper and dignified man who has nothing of which to be ashamed.
By setting up very contrasting characters in both personality and morality, Shakespeare uses Macbeth as a method of indicating the proper balance of femininity and masculinity in an honorable man. It does not do to be wholly one, Shakespeare insists, but a balance will create a much better man, such as the strengths of Macduff over Macbeth, which eventually lead to the downfall of the main character.
3 comments:
Hi Martina--
Wow. I thought this argument was very well-structured and well executed. You aptly contrasted Macbeth's guise of masculinity with Macduff's acceptance of his grief. I only wish you could have gone on for a little longer about the comparisons between these two foils. I think a third paragraph about the final encounter/battle between Macduff and Macbeth would be especially appropriate in this essay, so you could bring together your two paragraphs discussing each individually, and wrap up by showing how they interact against each other--how does the final scene indicate the nature of the foil?
I think you did a really nice job of showing how Macduff was a foil to Macbeth. Your arguments were very clear and concise. As Michaela said I think it would better if you went longer with the comparison and talked about when Macduff meets Macbeth. That would bring the essay to a completion. I think you did a great job of showing the differences and how Macbeth was foiled by Macduff's femininity. Just work on wrapping up the essay with a strong last paragraph.
I'm with Michaela, I wish there was more to the comparison. I can't think specifically of how it could be extended; Michaela suggested the final battle but I can't recall parts that illustrate the foil. Either way, I dig the point you were making and how you made it. Your explanation was very clear and straightforward. Neat stuff.
Post a Comment