Foil

Noli Me Tangere

by José Rizal

Noli Me Tangere: Foil 1 key example

Chapter 11: Sovereignty
Explanation and Analysis—Too Diligent:

In Chapter 11, the narrator describes the structures of power in San Diego, in which the priests, almost unchallenged, run the town. In this description, Father Salví becomes a foil to both Father Dámaso and the ensign: 

As we have said, Father Salví was very diligent in completing his duties; according to the ensign, too diligent. When he preached—and he was very fond of preaching—he had the church doors shut; [...] He generally fined his subordinates for their mistakes, but rarely beat them. In this he differed greatly from Father Dámaso, who took care of everything with beatings and canings, which he did while laughing and with the greatest of goodwill.