Sample Hypothesis Matrix w/Louise Mallard vs...?

Foil is a literary device designed to illustrate or reveal information, traits, values, or motivations of one character through the comparison and contrast of another character. A literary foil character serves the purpose of drawing attention to the qualities of another character, frequently the protagonist. This is effective as a means of developing a deeper understanding of a character by emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, a literary foil allows writers to create a counterpart for the protagonist that puts their actions and choices in context.

What is a foil?

Open Ended

Discuss a possible hypothesis for your Hypothesis Matrix. Then have ONE person from your team post your hypothesis with explanation below. Be prepared to defend what you submit during class discussion.

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​of Mrs. Mallard

Poll

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

• Brently Mallard

  (from The Story of an Hour)

• Josephine

  (from The Story of an Hour)

• Tessie Hutchinson (from The Lottery)

• Old Man Warner (from The Lottery)

• Roger (blind man from Cathedral)

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

​of Mrs. Mallard

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

Selfless

Liberated

Not Frail

​of Mrs. Mallard

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

Selfless

Liberated

Not Frail

​of Mrs. Mallard

Robert from Cathedral is a foil to Louise Mallard from The Story of an Hour...

Open Ended

How might Robert from Cathedral be a foil to Louise Mallard from The Story of an Hour?

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

Selfless

Liberated

Not Frail

​of Mrs. Mallard

Robert from Cathedral is a foil to Louise Mallard from The Story of an Hour...

Selfless

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

​Which Unit 1 short story character could be a foil to Louise Mallard?

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

Selfless

Liberated

Not Frail

​of Mrs. Mallard

Robert from Cathedral is a foil to Louise Mallard from The Story of an Hour...

Selfless

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

3

2

Even though the narrator has been condescending/rude to him, Robert still attempts to connect with him and help him to grow as a human being.

Josephine's concern for her sister does not necessarily mean she is selfless. One can be selfish and still be concerned about someone. There is not enough evidence in the text.

Liberated

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

Not Frail

Liberated

Though he is blind, Robert does not allow his disability to keep from having deep, meaningful experiences. He has liberated himself from society's expectations of blindness by not conforming to the stereotype for "blindness." Nevertheless, he still must depend on others to a degree as we see the narrator's wife gently assist him a few times during the story.

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

2

1

As a woman in the 19th century, one can presume Josephine is not liberated based on the lack of rights women had during the time period.

Not Frail

Liberated

Not Frail

Though he is blind, Robert does not allow his disability to keep from having deep, meaningful experiences. He has liberated himself from society's expectations of blindness by not conforming to the stereotype for "blindness." Nevertheless, he still must depend on others to a degree as we see the narrator's wife gently assist him a few times during the story.

​Robert (from Cathedral)

​Josephine (from The Story of an Hour)

2

1

As a woman in the 19th century, one can presume Josephine is not liberated based on the lack of rights women had during the time period.

3

2

As we witnessed during the dinner scene when Robert is heartily (almost bestially) eating and as he astonishes the narrator by how self-sufficient he is, Robert's disability does not make him frail.

Josephine's concern for her sister seems to have made her frail with worry.

Open Ended

Do you agree with Mrs. Austin's ratings and/or explanations? Explain why or why not. (It's TOTALLY OKAY to disagree as long as you support your opinion. 😉)

Selflessness -- Robert 3/3, Josephine 2/3

Liberated -- Robert 2/3, Josephine 1/3

Not Frail -- Robert 3/3. Josephine 2/3

• "It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing." (The Story of an Hour)

• "Josephine was kneeling before the closed door with her lips to the keyhole, imploring for admission. 'Louise, open the door! I beg, open the door — you will make yourself ill...'" (The Story of an Hour) --> These quotes show Josephine's frailty.

• "...He was trying to encourage me" (Cathedral)

• "That's good," he said. "Sure. You got it, bub, I can tell. You didn't think you could. But you can, can't you? You're cooking with gas now." (Cathedral) --> Robert is affirming the narrator despite his earlier unkind treatment.

Poll

Was the hypothesis proven even though Robert didn't receive a perfect score?

• Yes

• No

• I'm not sure.

• Kinda

​Even though Robert did not get 100% on my criteria for being a foil for Louise Mallard, I feel my hypothesis was proven since his traits contrast with those of Louise. Unlike Mallard who is excited at the prospect of living an untethered life, Robert pursues connections with others. Louise only dreams of freedom from the patriarchal society in which she lives. However, Robert refuses to allow ableist beliefs to keep him from being liberated from the limitations others would impose upon him. Though both Mallard and Robert have health conditions, Mallard succumbs to her frailty while Robert's disability becomes his superpower as he creatively seeks news ways to live his life to the fullest.

​In all honesty, before I created my criteria, I thought Josephine would be an excellent foil for Louise since she was deeply concerned about her sister while her sister was only concerned about herself. However, as I analyzed these characters' traits, I came to see they actually had more in common than I realized. They are both women rendered powerless and frail by nature and an oppressive society. Analyzing the criteria helped me to refine my hypothesis and forced me to reflect on whether or not my assumptions could be supported by textual evidence. When reviewing the pieces, Robert seems to have more in common with Louise on the surface. Both have conditions and both are viewed as "less-than" by society. Nevertheless, what truly makes them foils is how each responds to their stations in life. Mallard withers while Roger thrives.

Poll

Okay, what do you think of Mrs. Austin's line of reasoning?

• I agree.

• I basically agree, but I would make some modifications.

• I disagree.

• I'm undecided.