Or….did I see that coming?

“I’ve Got a Bad Feeling About This…”

What is Foreshadowing? The use of hints or clues to suggest future action. Authors DO tell us what to expect in the future of the story….subtly

Why is This Important? Authors plant clues…. They expect you to pick up on them…. Important parts of a novel shouldn’t be a shock!

How do I find foreshadowing? Look for the “four common cues” 1. Dreams 2. Warnings / Curses 3. Confidence / Cockiness 4. Abundant Attention

When characters have dreams…… ….those dreams often come true

1) Star Wars: Episode III Anakin dreams that Padme will die during the birth of their child.

Result? She DOES die, producing TWINS: Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa

2) Wayne’s World Wayne dreams, if ever so briefly, of being able to date Cassandra…

Result? They do date later in the film!

3) Ghostbusters The evil voice tells the Ghostbusters to “choose the Traveler, the one who shall destroy you.” Whatever they think (dream) will come and destroy them.

Result? One of them dreams of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man who then comes to reek havoc on the boys!

The Wizard of Oz The Wicked Witch of the West exclaims….

Results? She DOES try to “get” Dorothy…and her little dog, Toto.

The Bible Genesis says…. But God felt sorry for Adam. "None of these animals is really like him," thought God, "he needs someone to share his life. Someone who cares for him and who he can care for." That night, God took a rib from Adam's side and made a woman. When Adam awoke the following morning, he found a wife, Eve, lying asleep beside him. Adam was so happy. He took her hand and she woke up. She looked up at him and smiled. God told the man and woman that it was their job to take care of their new home. God blessed them, saying, "All this is for you. Help yourself to anything you like. But never touch the tree in the middle of the Garden. That tree gives knowledge of good and evil. The day you eat its fruit, you will die."

Result?? Adam and Eve DO eat the fruit (an apple) from the tree of knowledge. They symbolically “die” in that they now maintain the “original sin”.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The dwarfs warn Snow White to be wary of the Queen.

Result?? The Queen disguises herself and, eventually, gives the poisoned apple to Snow White. Snow White falls into a deep sleep…until awoken by love’s first kiss.

Pandora The gods presented her with a box into which each had put something harmful, and forbade her ever to open it.

Result?? Pandora opens the box, releasing innumerable plagues, sorrow, and mischief for mankind. Hope was also there, but Pandora had already fulfilled the foreshadowed action!

Wayne’s World Wayne really wants to be with Cassandra. He exclaims that “she will be [his]!”

Result?? They do date later in the film!

Titanic The banker that provided the funds for Titanic wants the captain of the ship to go faster!

Result?

Titanic…. The Captain receives word that there is ICE in the ship’s path. One might ….slow down…right?

Result?

Titanic The architect of the boat comments on how, yes, there ARE fewer life boats than would be needed for ALL aboard.

Result???

Star Wars: Episode II Anakin exclaims that he will be the most powerful Jedi.

Result? For a time, he does become that…as Darth Vader!

Over-Abundant Attention The author keeps going back to a certain object or idea in his or her writing. That same item is mentioned time and time again. In film….this is usually a close-up

Ghosbusters During the scene where the woman comes home and her eggs fry on the counter top, there is a package of Stay-Puft Marshmallows in the frame.

Result? The references to the Stay-Puft Marshmallows do let us know that the boys WILL “dream” of those as the Traveller…later in the movie!

Patriot Games A fight happens on a boat (while, of course, going super fast!). The framing continues to focus on a pointy anchor on the deck…

Result??? Yep, someone (guess who?) dies by being thrown on that pointy anchor!

What is the Purpose of Foreshadowing? To create suspense! The reader will subconsciously know these common clues. The author wants the reader to KNOW that things will happen but wants to retain control over the HOW and WHEN things will happen.

The Challenge of Finding Foreshadowing Oftentimes, foreshadowing does not appear obvious to a reader until after the fact. But….if you can read actively, you will have a better chance of noticing these intentional clues about future action!