The foil of a literary work reflects certain traits that rival the traits of the protagonist or hero. Often the meaning of a literary work is based heavily on these two characters' characteristics and their reaction to each other. Contrasting and comparing the foil and the hero highlights this dynamic relationship between the two characters.
Every era has a set of themes, such as love, revenge or sense versus sensibility, that repeat through its literature. These themes are often used as the topic for placement tests, allowing the student to show an understanding of the theme and its effect on the characters of a literary work.
Authors use time in literary works for several reasons. An author manipulating time may do so to advance a plot, emphasize the work's true meaning or create suspense. If this storytelling device is used as a topic, the student should be able to note the author's intent as well as how the chronological sequence contributes to the entire literary work.
Profound works of literature tell a narrative that puts into perspective the state of the human condition. These works offer insight into the society of another era by reflecting the common thought -- or rebelling against it -- through dialogue, plot and theme. Writing an essay on the topic of the human condition in a literary work requires the student to acknowledge the author's use of style, language, action and characterization.