What does the Literary Device 'Foreshadowing' Mean

In literature, writers focus on the creative use of language for various reasons so as to bring about the desired effect on readers. Writer intentionally drops some hints, clues or doubts at the beginning of the play; this is known as 'Foreshadowing.' This means it is one of the reasons why a person is hooked up and awaits the end of the play! Also peculiar clues at the beginning of the play elevate the curiosity.

Foreshadowing is a literary device that hides main theme that is disclosed at the end. Thus, writer gets an opportunity to create a well-developed plot. He puts some jot notes on the first page and starts a series of tales ending with an unexpected event. It is one of the figures of speech used by poets and writers to keep their reader enticed.

Many times the writer uses a style where a character foretells future happenings. Here divine spirits; elderly people or sometimes witches predict the upcoming events. In this way the indirect clues comprehend the meaning of the story. e.g. In William Shakespeare's play - Hamlet, the spirit of King Hamlet narrates before his son, Prince Hamlet about his brutal murder by his brother and wife.

The play is well-known for the chaos created as 'to be or not to be.' The literary device "foreshadow" in this play is initialized by the spirit of King Hamlet. This has made the play one of the popular tragedies of the years in the literature.

Foreshadowing makes the latter part of the story clearer and interesting. In contrast it can also be misleading for the readers at times. What, when, how, are the questions before the audience that provoke them to think of future events. Thus, this method gives tips to judge a fiction or a play in its initial stages and ends with amusement.