Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes how parallel character might appear in a literary work? Select all

that apply.
One is always the protagonist and the other is always the antagonist.
They will have some strong quality in common even if they are opposed to each other.
They may be used to explore abstract characteristics, like masculinity and femininity.
They will be linked in some way so that the reader associates them as a pair.
They will usually be indistinguishable from each other.

Answer 1

A parallel character in a literary work can have common traits with an opposing character or be used to explore abstract concepts. They are linked in some way so readers associate them as a pair.

Step-by-step explanation:

A parallel character in a literary work can appear in different ways:

1. They may have some strong quality in common even if they are opposed to each other: Parallel characters often share common traits or characteristics, despite being on opposite sides or having conflicting goals. For example, in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Tybalt are both passionate and hot-headed, yet they are on opposing sides of the feud between their families.
2. They may be used to explore abstract characteristics: Parallel characters can be used to depict and explore abstract concepts such as masculinity and femininity, good and evil, or love and hate. For instance, in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde represent the duality of human nature.
3. They will be linked in some way: Parallel characters are typically linked in some way so that readers associate them as a pair. This linkage can be through their actions, fate, or shared experiences. An example can be found in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment, where the main character, Raskolnikov, is paralleled by Svidrigailov, both of whom commit morally questionable acts.

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