Foreshadow

To foreshadow is to act as a warning or indication of (a future event). It hints at something that will happen later, creating suspense and anticipation. It often involves subtle clues or omens that suggest a specific outcome, though not necessarily revealing it directly. Foreshadowing can be used to build tension, add depth to characters, and guide the audience's understanding of the narrative's trajectory. It’s a literary device employing hints or clues to prepare the reader or viewer for events yet to unfold.

Foreshadow meaning with examples

• In the opening scene, a raven perches ominously on the protagonist's window, foreshadowing a tragic event. The stormy weather and the character's dark mood further hint at impending doom, creating a sense of unease throughout the first act. This visual and atmospheric foreshadowing effectively prepares the audience for the unfolding story.
• The character's recurring nightmares about losing their loved ones foreshadow their future betrayal. The writer skillfully employs this foreshadowing to add tension and suspense to the plot. The dreams serve as symbolic warnings that alert the readers about the dangers ahead, increasing the engagement with the story.
• The author frequently uses descriptions of wilting flowers and dying trees, foreshadowing a loss. The use of symbolism creates a sense of impending death, creating emotional anticipation and suspense for the viewers and also subtly influencing their emotional involvement in the plot’s progress.
• The protagonist’s obsession with a dangerous hobby in the early chapters subtly foreshadows a near-fatal accident later on. This deliberate foreshadowing technique generates a feeling of dread and excitement, encouraging readers to anticipate the character's future struggles.
• An ambiguous prophecy spoken by a wise elder foreshadows the hero's eventual triumph. This type of foreshadowing, often incorporating supernatural elements, raises questions about destiny and choice, inviting audiences to consider what may come.