Foil
David Copperfield
by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield: Foil 3 key examples

Foil
Explanation and Analysis—David and Company:

David is surrounded by foils, including Uriah Heep, James Steerforth, and Tommy Traddles. Each of these other characters represents a different version of who David might have become under different circumstances.

Chapter 5: I Am Sent Away From Home
Explanation and Analysis—Peggoty and Clara:

Peggotty and Clara Copperfield are foils for one another, representing opposite types of mother figures in David's life. In Chapter 5, when Barkis asks for Peggotty's name, David reveals that his mother and the woman who has helped her raise him share a first name:

‘Her name?’

‘Ah!’ said Mr Barkis, with a nod of his head.

‘Peggotty.’

‘Chrisen name? Or nat’ral name?’ said Mr Barkis.

‘Oh, it’s not her christian name. Her christian name is Clara.’

‘Is it though!’ said Mr Barkis.

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Chapter 44: Our Housekeeping
Explanation and Analysis—Dora and Agnes:

David's two wives, Dora and Agnes, are foils for one another, representing different paths of development for David. In Chapter 44, Dora asks David to call her his "child-wife:"

‘Will you call me a name I want you to call me?’ inquired Dora, without moving.

‘What is it?’ I asked with a smile.

‘It’s a stupid name,’ she said, shaking her curls for a moment. ‘Child-wife.’

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