I have an essay due and I cannot really understand the topic im supposed to write about. Its about the novel "sense and sensibility"

Question

Many plays and novels that focus upon the courtship or marriage of a man and a woman include a second pair who help to define the central figures. Write a well organized essay in which you discuss how the secondary man and woman illuminate the central characters of the work.

Answer 1

There is a type of character that writers have been using for centuries, maybe millennia, called a "foil." These are semi-main characters who have character traits that are different from the main characters, different enough to highlight what the author wants the readers to understand about the main characters.

One that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another: "I am resolved my husband shall not be a rival, but a foil to me" (Charlotte Brontë).

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/foil#ixzz2Lg8acWfT

Answer 2

What characters/novel/play are you working on?

Answer 3

im working on the novel Sense and Sensibility. i was thinking of using the characters Robert Ferrar and John Willoughby to contrast with Elinor and Marianne

Answer 4

There will probably be only one or maybe two major ways in which they contrast ... and that's good. The fewer the better, because that allows you to focus on and develop the ideas about the characteristics they are in contrast with!

Make two lists, one for Robert & John, one for Elinor & Marianne. To brainstorm, list all the things they have in common (comparison, which will be minor in your paper) and all the ways in which they contrast. Choose to write about no more than TWO ways in which they contrast. Make sure they are truly MAJOR ways!

Answer 5

thanks!!!!!!

Answer 6

You're very welcome!