A foil is a character who highlights, through sharp contrast, the qualities of another character. As mentioned on page 1057, Mercutio is a comic foil to Romeo. Identify two other characters in Act I who are foils for each other. What do you learn about the characters by seeing them in contrast to one another?

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Arthur Franklin

23 September, 12:45

A foil is a character who highlights, through sharp contrast, the qualities of another character. As mentioned on page 1057, Mercutio is a comic foil to Romeo. Identify two other characters in Act I who are foils for each other. What do you learn about the characters by seeing them in contrast to one another?

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Colin Hanson · Answer 1

Answer: Romeo and Paris are also foils.

Explanation:

As opposed to Romeo, Paris is an approved suitor in the eyes of the Capulet family. Paris is a character that goes to Lord Capulet and openly discusses the idea of marriage to his daughter. He is older, has certain manners, and, most importantly, respects the family and speaks to the father before planning the future with his daughter. He is a dignified version of Romeo.

Romeo, on the other hand, does not speak to Lord Capulet. To make it even worse, he has to plot behind his back with his daughter, as their families hate each other.