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Definition of Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved directly or indirectly, by making... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the... read full definition
Key Examples in Carmilla
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Carmilla's Identity :
Le Fanu uses foreshadowing throughout Carmilla to build suspense. The novella's atmospheric descriptions to create an eerie and foreboding mood, and these elements of the setting often foreshadow imminent encounters between Laura and Carmilla. Le Fanu incorporates multiple literary elements to foreshadow and build anticipation for the ominous events that take place in the story. An subtle instance of foreshadowing occurs early on in the novella in Chapter 1, for example, when Laura describes a dream she has of a young woman watching her:
I was vexed and insulted at finding myself, as I conceived, neglected, and I began to whimper, preparatory to a hearty bout of roaring; when to my surprise, I saw a solemn, but very pretty face looking at me from the side of the bed. It was that of a young lady who was kneeling, with her hands under the coverlet. I looked at her with a kind of pleased wonder, and ceased whimpering. She caressed me with her hands, and lay down beside me on the bed, and drew me towards her, smiling.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Vampire's Bite:
Instead of describing Carmilla biting Laura in literal terms, the novella uses a metaphor. Laura first describes the sensation in Chapter 1, during the strange dream she has of the young girl who turns out to be Carmilla:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I was awakened by a sensation as if two needles ran into my breast very deep at the same moment, and cried loudly. The lady started back, with her eyes fixed on me, and then slipped down upon the floor, and as I thought, hid herself under the bed.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Carmilla's Identity :
Le Fanu uses foreshadowing throughout Carmilla to build suspense. The novella's atmospheric descriptions to create an eerie and foreboding mood, and these elements of the setting often foreshadow imminent encounters between Laura and Carmilla. Le Fanu incorporates multiple literary elements to foreshadow and build anticipation for the ominous events that take place in the story. An subtle instance of foreshadowing occurs early on in the novella in Chapter 1, for example, when Laura describes a dream she has of a young woman watching her:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I was vexed and insulted at finding myself, as I conceived, neglected, and I began to whimper, preparatory to a hearty bout of roaring; when to my surprise, I saw a solemn, but very pretty face looking at me from the side of the bed. It was that of a young lady who was kneeling, with her hands under the coverlet. I looked at her with a kind of pleased wonder, and ceased whimpering. She caressed me with her hands, and lay down beside me on the bed, and drew me towards her, smiling.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Cleopatra:
An allusion to Cleopatra occurs in Chapter 3 when Laura describes the room in which Carmilla stays when she first arrives at the estate, and the allusion also serves as foreshadowing:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Our visitor lay in one of the handsomest rooms in the schloss. It was, perhaps, a little stately. There was a somber piece of tapestry opposite the foot of the bed, representing Cleopatra with the asps to her bosom; and other solemn classic scenes were displayed, a little faded, upon the other walls. But there was a gold carving, and rich and varied color enough in the other decorations of the room, to more than redeem the gloom of the old tapestry.
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Lullaby:
In Chapter 4, Laura uses a simile to describe the effect of Carmilla's loving words and "trembling embrace":
Unlock with LitCharts A+My energies seemed to fail me. Her murmured words sounded like a lullaby in my ear, and soothed my resistance into a trance, from which I only seemed to recover myself when she withdrew her arms.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Vampire's Bite:
Instead of describing Carmilla biting Laura in literal terms, the novella uses a metaphor. Laura first describes the sensation in Chapter 1, during the strange dream she has of the young girl who turns out to be Carmilla:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I was awakened by a sensation as if two needles ran into my breast very deep at the same moment, and cried loudly. The lady started back, with her eyes fixed on me, and then slipped down upon the floor, and as I thought, hid herself under the bed.
Related Themes:
