Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author gives hints, suggestions, or warnings about events that will happen later in the story. It is used to build anticipation, suspense, or tension by subtly indicating future plot developments without revealing them outright
. Foreshadowing can take many forms, including character dialogue, symbolic details, changes in setting, or even the title of a work or chapter. Sometimes it is obvious, while other times it is subtle and only becomes clear after the later events occur
. For example, a seemingly minor detail early in a story might hint at a major event that happens later, like a gun shown on a wall that will be used in a future chapter
. The main purpose of foreshadowing is to engage the audience by making them curious about what will happen next and to prepare them for significant plot twists or revelations. It is commonly used in genres that rely on suspense, such as Gothic novels and horror stories
. In summary, foreshadowing means providing advance clues or hints about future events in a narrative to create suspense and guide the audience's expectations
