Directions:
1) Read the following essay prompt: In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a FOIL CHARACTER, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast and/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 and/or strengths of the main character. William Shakespeare's Hamlet offers fascinating comparisons in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main character, Hamlet. Choose a foil character to compare and contrast with Hamlet, our main character. Compose an essay in which you analyze how the relationship between the minor character and Hamlet illuminates the meaning of the work on the whole. In other words, show us the development of these two characters from Act I through Act V. Possible foil characters: Fortinbras, Laetres, Ophelia, Claudius, Gertrude, or Polonius. You may also choose two foil characters, if you wish (For example, Using Laertes AND Fortinbras to compare to Hamlet).
2) Return to the text. Share your first discoveries. After you have made your selection, go through the play and find examples to show their similarities and differences. Start from the beginning. (For example, if you choose Hamlet and Fortinbras, find a passage to show how Fortinbras reacted to this father's death, and one where Hamlet reacts to his father).
3) In this blog space, share FOUR direct quotations (two for Hamlet and two for the foil character) and explain, IN DETAIL, how the foil characters are similar and different. This will provide the early work for your formal essay. I should see four quotations and at least two solid paragraphs.
Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais, completed in 1851 and 1852
