This document defines and provides examples of foreshadowing in literature. Foreshadowing uses clues to suggest events that have yet to occur and keeps readers interested by hinting at what may happen next. There are two main types: concrete foreshadowing references objects or events that characters see, while abstract foreshadowing uses intangible clues like themes or sounds. Prominent foreshadowing directly tells readers about future events. The document also provides background on the author W.W. Jacobs and his famous short story "The Monkey's Paw," which explores the theme of fate and how it shapes people's lives.

1. Foreshadowing in
Literature

2. What is Foreshadowing?
The use in a literary work of clues that
suggest events that have yet to occur
Creates suspense
Keeps reader interested in what will
happen next
Use hints at future events to predict
outcomes

3. Concrete Foreshadowing
Objects, people, colors, places, or events
used to suggest events that have yet to
occur
Usually something characters
physically see

4. Abstract Foreshadowing
Themes, words, sounds, and other
intangible clues
Author mentions a character’s thought
Character hears a noise

5. Prominent Foreshadowing
Telling the reader what will happen
Might be used in a prologue, preface, or
throughout a work
Example: “I'd never given much thought to how I
would die — though I'd had reason enough in
the last few months — but even if I had, I
would not have imagined it like this.”

6. The Monkey’s Paw by W.W.
Jacobs
About the author:
1863-1943
Grew up listening to tales of
adventure from sailors near his
dockside home
In adulthood, wrote stories filled with
strange and fantastic events
“The Monkey’s Paw”

7. Fate
How does fate shape the events that
occur?
What does “The Monkey’s Paw” say
about the role of fate in people’s lives?