Literature and its Devices

Foreshadowing

Foreshadow

Foreshadowing is a literary device that is defined as: a technique used by many different authors to provide clues for the reader in order to be able to predict what might occur later on in the story.

In other words:

Foreshadowing is a device that drops ‘hints’ about an event that usually takes place in the story’s future; that is to say: it actually foretells the end of the story.

Everyday We Learn Something New

This video will introduce you to the device known as: FORESHADOWING

Foreshadowing in “The 6th Sense”

This link will take you to a video that shows how foreshadowing can be done through film.

An Example of Foreshadowing Within a Novel

The Yellow Wall-PaperIt was very seldom that mere ordinary people like John and myself secure ancestral halls for the summer.A colonial mansion, a hereditary estate, I would say a haunted house, and reach the height of romantic felicity—but that would be asking too much of fate!Still I would proudly declare that there is something odd about it [the mansion]. Why else should it be let so cheaply? And why has it stood so long unoccupied?

Charlotte Perkins Stetson (1892)

Can You Find Foreshadowing in This Text?

Romeo and Juliet (Prologue 5-8) In the beautiful city of Verona, where our story takes place, a long-standing hatred between two families erupts into new violence, and citizens stain their hands with the blood of their fellow citizens. Two unlucky children of these enemy families become lovers and commit suicide. Their unfortunate deaths put an end to their parents' feud. William Shakespeare (1597)

How About This Text?

Romeo and Juliet (2.2.77-78)The darkness will hide me from them. And if you don’t love me, let them find me here. I’d rather they killed me than have to live without your love.

William Shakespeare (1597)