Show how foil characters behavior and values contrast the protagonist Essay

Show how foil characters behavior and values contrast the protagonist in the modern drama play Death of a Salesman by Miller and A Doll House by Ibsen - Essay Example In a â€Å"Death of a Salesman† Charley and Biff can be considered as foil for the main protagonist Willy. The aim of this paper is to explore and show the personality differences between the foil characters and protagonists. Firstly, it will be argued that Henrik Ibsen’s â€Å"A Doll House† wise and serious Mrs. Linde contrasted childish and lively character Nora. Moreover, Mrs. Linde helps Nora to embark on a new journey of finding herself by pushing her to face the reality and reveal herself. Secondly, it will be shown that in Arthur Miller’s play â€Å"Death of a Salesman† down to earth and realistic Charley and Biff are highlighted the dreamer and somewhat crazy side of Willy. However, while Mrs. Linde, as her foil, helps Nora to face the reality and to begin a new life, Biff’s challenges are not sufficient make Willy, the tragic hero whose mental faculties seem to be damaged, to embrace the reality. In Henrik Ibsen’s â€Å"A Doll House†, Mrs. Linde and Krogstad serve as foils for Nora and Torval, since their differences provides a contrast. Henrik Ibsen portrays Nora as a lively young woman, and her lighthearted attitude is highlighted by Mrs. Linde’s serious, calm and somber behavior. Their very first conversation marks the differences between the characters. In contrast to Nora’s fast and rhythmic conversation, which is full with lively expressions and exclamation marks, Mrs. Linde’s answers are rather short and precise, if not blunt. Nora’s seriousness is further emphasized in the text by referring to her as â€Å"Mrs. Linde†. The following quotation shows the mercurial and talkative nature of Nora in contrast to the pale and dull Mrs. Linde: â€Å"Nora: To enjoy yourself over Christmas, of course. Oh, how lovely! Yes, enjoy yourselves, we’ll do that. But take your coat off. You are not still cold? (Helping her). There now, let’s get cozy here by the stove. No, the easy chair there! I’ll take the rocker here. (Seizing