How is "foreshadowing" used in literature?

Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to provide subtle hints or clues about events that will take place later in a narrative. This technique serves to build anticipation and tension by preparing the reader for what is to come, ultimately enhancing the overall storytelling experience. It creates a sense of cohesion within the plot, as various elements introduced early on can find their resolutions in later developments.

By hinting at future events, foreshadowing allows readers to make predictions and engage more actively with the text, as they search for connections between early clues and later outcomes. This not only enriches the narrative but also deepens the reader’s investment in the characters and plot. Other choices, while they may address aspects of narrative structure, do not accurately define the specific purpose and function of foreshadowing.