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

Importance of counterpoints in Boys and Girls and A Clean illuminated Place A Handbook to Literature says that the word foil literally means a leaf or a sheet of lustrous metal placed under a piece of jewelry to accession its brilliance (Foil). Thus when applied to literature, the term refers to a pillow slip who makes a contrast with another, especially a minor face who helps lay off a major character (Barnett et al. 1331). For example, a foolish character may place a wise characters wisdom in a stronger light, or a cowardly character may make the heros actions come along even more courageous. A foil is frequently an antagonist or confidant, but whoever the foil might be, the purpose is to illuminate one or more significant traits, attitudes or actions of a main character (Foil NTCE).   In the chronicle, A Clean Well-Lighted Place, by Ernest Hemingway, the younger server is a foil for both the older server and the old composition who comes to drink in the café. The older waiter is concerned for the old adult male who has tried to kill himself. He understands that there are universey lone(prenominal) 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 mystify 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, Lai rd is the foil for his sister, the narrator of the story. When the children are young, Lairds behavior contrasts with the maturity and office shown by the girl. While she is busy watering the foxes, he goes off and swings himself project . . . going around in circles or tries to catch caterpillars (987).