In literature, a foil is a character that contrasts with another character, often to reveal particular qualities of the other character. With reference to at least two literary texts that you have studied, compare and contrast literary characters to show how their differences reveal competing social or moral values.
Thesis:
In Things Fall Apart, Achebe uses Okonkwo as a foil to characters such as Unoka, Nwoye, and Obierika in order to contrast their moral and social values and emphasize how they approach situations differently to demonstrate how clashing values within the tribe led to its ultimate destruction and the success of Western colonialism.
Outline
Body 1- Okonkwo and Unoka
Despite their familial relation, Okonkwo and Unoka strongly contrast in their moral and social values within society, thereby enriching their characterization in order to display the faults of the clan which ultimately led to its destruction.
· Different ideas of masculinity and femininity
· Different social status
· Treats the traditions differently
· What they equate happiness with is different
· Levels of respect from tribe differs
· He ended up dying like his father
Body 2- Okonkwo and Nwoye
Similar to Unoka’s incompatibility and Okonkwo’s devotion to the Igbo culture, Okonkwo’s and Nwoye’s contrasting opinions demonstrates the increasing rift in society which was exploited by Christian colonists upon their arrival.
· Nwoye can also serve as a foil for Unoka
· Nwoye reminds Okonkwo of Unoka
· Masculine vs. Feminine
· Nwoye wants to do things differently than the tribe
· Ends up converting
Body 3- Okonkwo and Obierika
By possessing different ideologies about the traditions of the tribe, Okonkwo and Obierika’s fate differs in the manner that they approach situations in their community.
· Both look at the values differently
· They gain respect in different ways
No comments:
Post a Comment