Literally speaking, foreshadowing is a hint of things to come. Foreshadowing happens when the author drops hints or clues about future events in a story, helping build suspense. Foreshadowing is easier to spot during second and subsequent reads. This is because the reader already knows the ending, and can connect the dots.
In chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies, Jack says, “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.” Later, when the boys split into two camps, and Jack’s group behaves like savages. When Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, it reminds us of the witches’ prophecies.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at foreshadowing. We’ll find out what it is, how it works, and the fun you can have with it in your writing.
What is foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing occurs when an author drops (mostly subtle) clues that hint at things to come. Shakespeare was a master of foreshadowing. For example, in Act II, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo says, “My life were better ended by their hate, Than death proroguéd, wanting of thy love.” In other words, he essentially declares that he would rather die than be denied Juliet’s love. This is exactly what happens at the end of the play.
When you foreshadow, you force the reader to pay close attention to your words because anything could have a double-meaning. This forces the reader to play detective and infer meaning. It also builds anticipation toward the climax, when they find out if they were right all along.
Foreshadowing occurs when an author drops (mostly subtle) clues that hint at things to come. Shakespeare was a master of foreshadowing. For example, in Act II, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo says, “My life were better ended by their hate, Than death proroguéd, wanting of thy love.” Here, he essentially says that he would rather die than be denied Juliet’s love. This is exactly what happens at the end of the play.
As a literary device, foreshadowing helps add depth and layers to your writing. It forces you to show and not tell. The trick is to infer your story’s subtext, not lay all of your cards on the table at once.
How does foreshadowing work?
There are three basic types of foreshadowing: direct, indirect, and symbolic.
What is direct foreshadowing?
Direct foreshadowing explicitly tells you that something will happen in the future.
In “The Monkey’s Paw,” Morris warns Mr. White about using the paw. He says, “If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens,” telling the reader that something will indeed happen.
Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” begins with direct foreshadowing: “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.” The remainder of the story is how Montresor enacts revenge upon Fortunato.
What is indirect foreshadowing?
Indirect foreshadowing is when the narrator drops subtle, sometimes hidden hints for the reader. The author often understates these clues so they only become clear on subsequent reads.
Also in “The Monkey’s Paw,” after Mr. White makes his wish, they hear “the sound of a door banging upstairs.” This seems like a minor detail that adds to the story’s horror. Later, we hear Herbert pounding on the front door, having come back from the dead. We realize that the banging earlier foreshadowed this horrific event.
Macbeth slays the former Thane of Cawdor after committing treason against King Duncan by aligning himself with Norway. When the Thane of Cawdor title is conferred upon Macbeth, it seems like a fitting reward. He has inherited the title of the rebel he killed on the battlefield. Later, Macbeth kills Duncan and usurps the throne. We realize that Macbeth’s treasonous ways were fated the moment he accepted the title.
Symbolic foreshadowing links symbols, metaphors, and recurring events to future events. This allows for a subtle layering of hints and clues tied to the meaning of the symbol.
For example, early in Lord of the Flies, Piggy’s glasses symbolise his rationality and problem-solving ability. When Jack smacks Piggy’s head, “Piggy’s glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks.” At first, this seems like a cruel action on Jack’s part. It becomes symbolic foreshadowing when, similar to his glasses, Piggy is destroyed by a (falling) rock.
How to have fun with foreshadowing in your writing
Using foreshadowing in your work-in-progress (WIP) is easy once you know your story’s theme(s) and your characters’ fates. The simplest way to do this is to brainstorm a list of words your reader might associate with your theme.
In “The Monkey’s Paw,” Jacobs uses a series of words that hint at what will happen to poor Herbert White in the story. Mr. White puts his king into “sharp and unnecessary peril,” much like he does with his son when wishing on the monkey’s paw. He recognizes this as a “fatal mistake” but only “after it was too late.” He bawls with “sudden and unlooked-for violence,” similar to what befalls his son. In this way, Jacobs masterfully hints that there is going to be a horrible, gruesome, unexpected death in the story. If the reader picks up on this at all, it is as an element of horror. However, upon re-reading, the foreshadowing becomes obvious.
Key Takeaways
When using foreshadowing in your writing:
- Be subtle. Avoid statements like “If only she knew what was about to happen.” This is called “telegraphing,” giving away important plot points too obviously, like a lazy author’s failed attempt at direct foreshadowing.
- Know your end before you begin. This will help you know which clues to drop in your story and where.
- Like all literary devices, use foreshadowing sparingly. Any technique loses its effectiveness when overused.
Putting it into practice
The next time you plan your WIP
- take note of which events you might want to foreshadow
- make a list of words and phrases that hint at your story’s climax or one of the characters’ fates
- weave them into the tapestry of your manuscript.
Doing this will help set the tone, setting, and mood of your story.
Be deliberate with how, when, and why you use foreshadowing in your scenes. Using foreshadowing turns your story into a scavenger hunt. It will keep your reader returning to your manuscript to find the clues they missed the first time.
Leave a Reply