Foreshadowing.
Definition: Foreshadowing is the author’s use of clues to hint at what might happen next in the story. It is used to build the reader’s sense of expectations or to create suspense.
Definition: Foreshadowing is the author’s use of clues to hint at what might happen next in the story. It is used to build the reader’s sense of expectations or to create suspense.
Lesson One:
1. Read/Think: Read through the types of foreshadowing and the corresponding examples. Which types of foreshadowing are the most common? Which types of foreshadowing do you see the most in movies? In works of literature?
2. We do it: Work with a group and take 5-7 minutes to create as many examples in the third column for each type of foreshadowing as you can. Give a signal when your group is finished.
3. Now you try it: Share and compare your examples with a nearby group. Now fill in the chart with an example from another text source.
1. Read/Think: Read through the types of foreshadowing and the corresponding examples. Which types of foreshadowing are the most common? Which types of foreshadowing do you see the most in movies? In works of literature?
2. We do it: Work with a group and take 5-7 minutes to create as many examples in the third column for each type of foreshadowing as you can. Give a signal when your group is finished.
3. Now you try it: Share and compare your examples with a nearby group. Now fill in the chart with an example from another text source.
Lesson Two:
1. Talk/Read: Which foreshadowing techniques in literature or media are the most obvious to you?
Read the following excerpt from Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes.
There was a murmur of assent. Johnny could hear the tiny tinkle, seemingly far away, of Miss Lavinia’s spinet.
“It is perfectly obvious that this cup now stands where it belongs. The question is how was it ever separated from its fellows?”
Johnny felt that everyone there except himself knew the answer to this question.
“In fact,” the merchant’s voice was as smooth as oil, “I declare this to be the very cup which was stolen from me by thieves. They broke through yonder window on the twenty-third of last August. Sheriff, I order you to arrest this boy for burglary.”
2. Read and Highlighting PLUS: After you have already read the text, return to the text with annotations, highlighting, and notes using the highlighting PLUS method. Specifically mark areas that lead the reader to see the conflict before it arises.
There was a murmur of assent. Johnny could hear the tiny tinkle, seemingly far away, of Miss Lavinia’s spinet.
“It is perfectly obvious that this cup now stands where it belongs. The question is how was it ever separated from its fellows?”
Johnny felt that everyone there except himself knew the answer to this question.
“In fact,” the merchant’s voice was as smooth as oil, “I declare this to be the very cup which was stolen from me by thieves. They broke through yonder window on the twenty-third of last August. Sheriff, I order you to arrest this boy for burglary.”
3. Now you try:
Johnny’s conflict isn't fully revealed until lines 11–12. What details earlier in the excerpt suggest that a problem is brewing? Share with a partner which parts you highlighted and why. Which section do you feel is the most obvious of foreshadowing for the coming events? Justify your answer.
1. Talk/Read: Which foreshadowing techniques in literature or media are the most obvious to you?
Read the following excerpt from Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes.
There was a murmur of assent. Johnny could hear the tiny tinkle, seemingly far away, of Miss Lavinia’s spinet.
“It is perfectly obvious that this cup now stands where it belongs. The question is how was it ever separated from its fellows?”
Johnny felt that everyone there except himself knew the answer to this question.
“In fact,” the merchant’s voice was as smooth as oil, “I declare this to be the very cup which was stolen from me by thieves. They broke through yonder window on the twenty-third of last August. Sheriff, I order you to arrest this boy for burglary.”
2. Read and Highlighting PLUS: After you have already read the text, return to the text with annotations, highlighting, and notes using the highlighting PLUS method. Specifically mark areas that lead the reader to see the conflict before it arises.
There was a murmur of assent. Johnny could hear the tiny tinkle, seemingly far away, of Miss Lavinia’s spinet.
“It is perfectly obvious that this cup now stands where it belongs. The question is how was it ever separated from its fellows?”
Johnny felt that everyone there except himself knew the answer to this question.
“In fact,” the merchant’s voice was as smooth as oil, “I declare this to be the very cup which was stolen from me by thieves. They broke through yonder window on the twenty-third of last August. Sheriff, I order you to arrest this boy for burglary.”
3. Now you try:
Johnny’s conflict isn't fully revealed until lines 11–12. What details earlier in the excerpt suggest that a problem is brewing? Share with a partner which parts you highlighted and why. Which section do you feel is the most obvious of foreshadowing for the coming events? Justify your answer.
Lesson Three:
1. Talk/Read: How can the mood of a story contribute to foreshadowing? Read the following text, The Elevator by William Sleator, and consider the tone of the author and the mood of the situation.
He was apprehensive as he approached the building after school. In the lobby, he considered the stairs. But that was ridiculous. Why should he be afraid of an old lady? If he was afraid of her, if he let it control him, then he was worse than all the names they called him at school. He pressed the 85 button; he stepped into the empty elevator. He stared at the lights, urging the elevator on. It stopped on three.
2. Talk: Identify and circle any buzz words that contribute to the growing suspense and rising conflict.
3. Now you try: Substitute the identified buzz words to change the mood of the scenario. Justify how the new mood indicates a new outcome of the story.
1. Talk/Read: How can the mood of a story contribute to foreshadowing? Read the following text, The Elevator by William Sleator, and consider the tone of the author and the mood of the situation.
He was apprehensive as he approached the building after school. In the lobby, he considered the stairs. But that was ridiculous. Why should he be afraid of an old lady? If he was afraid of her, if he let it control him, then he was worse than all the names they called him at school. He pressed the 85 button; he stepped into the empty elevator. He stared at the lights, urging the elevator on. It stopped on three.
2. Talk: Identify and circle any buzz words that contribute to the growing suspense and rising conflict.
3. Now you try: Substitute the identified buzz words to change the mood of the scenario. Justify how the new mood indicates a new outcome of the story.