Foreshadowing refers to the use of clues or hints to suggest what will happen later in the story. It is a way for authors to create anticipation and build suspense by hinting at future events or outcomes. Foreshadowing can take many forms, including symbolic objects or actions, dialogue, or descriptions of setting or characters. It is often used in literature, particularly in mystery, suspense, and horror genres, but can be found in all types of writing. By providing subtle hints of what is to come, foreshadowing can enhance the reader’s engagement and investment in the story.
Examples of foreshadowing:
In “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield repeatedly mentions his desire to catch children from falling off a cliff. This foreshadows his own mental breakdown and desire to save himself from a similar fate.
In “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen’s knowledge of plants and survival skills foreshadows her ability to win the Hunger Games.
In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, Huck’s decision to leave civilization and escape down the Mississippi River foreshadows his journey towards independence and self-discovery.
In “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, the prophecy of the dragon Smaug’s destruction foreshadows the events that unfold in the story.
In “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, the opening lines “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” foreshadow the contrasting themes of the novel and the impending violence of the French Revolution.
The novel Anna Karenina by Leon Tolstoi begins in a train station. When the protagonist arrives, she hears of an accident: a man has been trampled by a train. The train station and the accident foreshadow Anna’s own end.
In addition: Lanase Ken
I reference to Ola Rotimi ‘s Gods Are Not To Blame.
Adewale, a new baby of the King was taken to the Oracle Priest for divination; the Boy was predicted a doom to the kingdom…….in the latter, unknowingly, he killed his father and married his mother. A good example of foreshadowing. therefore, it can be said to have given a tip of the event as well as predicting the future of a character(s) in a story