ap notes 69-71

Question 1

Foil

Answer 1

In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the
qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other
character. The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may
also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two things.

Question 2

Intertextuality

Answer 2

Intertextuality is a sophisticated literary device used in writing. In fact, it
is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used as a reference. Instead
of employing referential phrases from different literary works, intertextuality draws upon
the concept, rhetoric or ideology from other texts to be merged in the new text. It may
be the retelling of an old story, or you may rewrite the popular stories in
modern context for instance, James Joyce retells The Odyssey in his very famous
novel Ulysses. Treasure Island and Lord of the Flies.

Question 3

Litotes

Answer 3

Litotes, derived from a Greek word meaning “simple”, is a figure of speech which
employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive
statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. “Not too bad” in place of
“Pretty good” would be an example.
 They do not seem the happiest couple around.
 The ice cream was not too bad.
 New York is not an ordinary city.
 Your comments on politics are not useless.
 You are not as young as you used to be.
 I cannot disagree with your point of view