What does foreshadowing in literature signify?

Foreshadowing in literature signifies an indication of future events within the narrative. This literary device plants hints or clues that suggest what will happen later in the story, creating suspense and anticipation for the reader. By employing foreshadowing, authors can subtly prepare the audience for developments in the plot, enhancing the story's overall emotional impact and ensuring that when those events unfold, they feel earned and natural rather than sudden or arbitrary.

While elements of surprise can certainly relate to foreshadowing, they refer more to unexpected twists rather than the preparatory nature of foreshadowing itself. Conclusions are often the outcome of the events and character arcs throughout the narrative. Character development focuses on how characters evolve over the course of the story, which may or may not include foreshadowing as a device. Ultimately, the primary function of foreshadowing is to signal future events to prepare readers for what lies ahead.