Foil
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women: Foil 1 key example

Part 1, Chapter 1: Playing Pilgrims
Explanation and Analysis—Amy & Jo:

Amy and Jo are foils for each other. Amy is graceful, self-conscious, and feminine. She can also be a bit snooty and self-centered. In Chapter 1, Meg describes Amy as follows:

"As for you, Amy," continued Meg, "you are altogether too particular and prim. Your airs are funny now, but you'll grow up an affected little goose, if you don't take care. I like your nice manners and refined ways of speaking, when you don't try to be elegant. But your absurd words are as bad as Jo's slang."