Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a literary device used to provide subtle clues or hints about events that will occur later in a story, novel, play, film, or other narrative. It creates suspense, builds anticipation, and helps to establish the overall tone or atmosphere of the work. foreshadowing can manifest in various forms, including dialogue, imagery, character actions, recurring motifs, and symbolic objects. It serves to deepen the reader's understanding and appreciation of the plot, as well as to provide an enriching and engaging experience for the audience. foreshadowing creates dramatic irony if the audience is aware of future events that the characters are not.

Foreshadowing meaning with examples

• In the opening scene, a raven is perched on a crumbling building as the protagonist walks by. The dark bird and dilapidated setting foreshadow the character's eventual descent into despair and the tragic events to follow. The author uses a visual symbol to create a sense of impending doom.
• The detective constantly remarks on how quiet the city is before the murder happens, and these comments foreshadow the impending chaos. His observations set the stage for the crime. His observations set the stage for the coming murder as the stillness contrasts the eventual violence that erupts.
• The protagonist's recurring dreams of drowning foreshadow their metaphorical and literal struggles with a dark secret from their past. The dreams emphasize the depth of this internal struggle, highlighting the eventual revelation of trauma. The recurring nature amplifies the tension.
• Before the major conflict, the hero's close friend gifts him an unusual weapon and warns, 'This will be needed for the storm ahead.' The statement foreshadows the crucial role the weapon will play in the final battle. This sets up the importance of this weapon in the reader's mind.