Anyone know whats a foil? I need to know about it for my English test.?

Answer 1

A foil is a character who helps to illustrate the nature of other characters through interaction. Usually but not always this is done by contrasting views or reaction to circumstances. A character may be a foil at all times or only at certain times.

For example, in 'A Christmas Story' Bob Cratchet acts as a foil to Scrooge; his good nature and cheer give Scrooge an opportunity to express how mean and bitter he is.

Answer 2

"Foil" haa numerous definitions, so you may need to be more specific.

As a computer term it means "File Oriented Interpretative Language".

It also means:

To prevent from being successful; thwart.
To obscure or confuse (a trail or scent) so as to evade pursuers.
A repulse; a setback.
The trail or scent of an animal.

A thin, flexible leaf or sheet of metal: aluminum foil.
A thin layer of polished metal placed under a displayed gem to lend it brilliance.
One that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another: “I am resolved my husband shall not be a rival, but a foil to me” (Charlotte Brontë).
The reflective metal coating on the back of a glass mirror.
Architecture. A curvilinear, often lobelike figure or space formed between the cusps of intersecting arcs, found especially in Gothic tracery and Moorish ornament.

An airfoil.
Nautical. A hydrofoil.
tr.v., foiled, foil·ing, foils.
To cover or back with foil.
To set off by contrast.

A fencing sword having a usually circular guard and a thin, flexible four-sided blade with a button on the tip to prevent injury.
The art or sport of fencing with such a sword. Often used in the plural: a contest at foils.

To prevent from accomplishing a purpose: baffle, balk, check, checkmate, defeat, frustrate, stymie, thwart. Informal cross, stump. Idioms: cut the ground from under.

And much, much more. See the link for more information. I hope this is of some help.

Answer 3

You ever watch those people on the Olympics in white that wear masks that look like screenwire? They are using swords with an electronic tip to show lethal hits and they score accordingly. Some people call the swords they are using epee's but most call them foils. That is basically what a foil is used for. For more information go to the Library of Congress' website at: loc.gov and post your question there.

Answer 4

A foil is a type of weapon used in fencing.

It is a very thin weapon with a blunted (or foiled) tip. Foils are designed only for thrusting, though modern competitive fencers often use a technique known as a flick, which uses the foil's flexibility to bend around the blade of an opponent (often in response to an attempted parry) and plant a hit upon the back. Foil blades are flexible enough to bend upon striking an opponent, in order to prevent injuries.

Answer 5

I'm going to assume that since it's for an English class, you're searching for the literary definition.

In literature, a "foil" is a secondary character whose is used to help emphasize the personality traits of the main character.

Often times, a foil character is the exact opposite of the main character, and the conflicts and differences of opinion between the two set the stage for the main character's personality traits to be explored in ways it wouldn't be able to had the conflict not arose.

Less often, a foil character can be a secondary character whose personality traits are very similar to the main character's. This character serves to help reinforce the main character's traits.

There can be more than one, or even many foils in a story... just remember that it's any character who serves to bring out the personality traits in the main character.

I'll throw out a few non-literary examples that you're likely to be familiar with... while most examples of foils come from classic literature, it's always difficult to tell what classic literature one is acquainted with. Hope these help a bit!

Homer Simpson/Ned Flanders: Ned could be said to serve as Homer's foil, because his incessant cheerfulness brings out the irritable side of Homer.

Spongebob Squarepants/Squidward: Squidward could be seen as Spongebob's foil, because Squidward's extreme seriousness and constant irritation with Spongebob magnify Spongebob's happy-go-lucky, naive attitude.

Answer 6

Here in England it could be a blunt edged sword used for sword fencing. In architecture space between gaps in window and of course the foil which is silver type paper used in cooking or wrapping food. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

A fencing foil is a sword used in fencing competition. In foil fencing, the tip is used to poke vital areas to score.

Answer 8

Like an epee its a dueling sword

Answer 9

It is a sword for dueling

Answer 10

hahaha idk?