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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
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Knightley's Wisdom:
Throughout the novel, Knightley’s wisdom and insights into various characters’ motivations and desires foreshadows outcomes that Emma is not able to see. For example, in Chapter 5 Knightley sees how, in their budding friendship, Harriet will acquiesce to all of Emma’s wishes and how the relationship won’t be good for either of them:
“I think her the very worst sort of companion that Emma could possibly have. She knows nothing herself, and looks upon Emma as knowing every thing. She is a flatterer in all her ways; and so much the worse, because undesigned. Her ignorance is hourly flattery. How can Emma imagine she has any thing to learn herself, while Harriet is presenting such a delightful inferiority?”
Related Themes:
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Knightley's Wisdom:
Throughout the novel, Knightley’s wisdom and insights into various characters’ motivations and desires foreshadows outcomes that Emma is not able to see. For example, in Chapter 5 Knightley sees how, in their budding friendship, Harriet will acquiesce to all of Emma’s wishes and how the relationship won’t be good for either of them:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“I think her the very worst sort of companion that Emma could possibly have. She knows nothing herself, and looks upon Emma as knowing every thing. She is a flatterer in all her ways; and so much the worse, because undesigned. Her ignorance is hourly flattery. How can Emma imagine she has any thing to learn herself, while Harriet is presenting such a delightful inferiority?”
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Emma and Knightley:
Emma and Knightley ending up married is an example of situational irony because, throughout the novel, Emma makes it clear that she sees him more as a friend and also swears that she will never get married, as in this conversation with Harriet:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! but I never have been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis—Overcharged Sky:
As Emma is on her way to a Christmas Eve dinner party at the Westons’ near the beginning of the novel, she uses imagery to describe the weather and sky:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The cold, however, was severe; and by the time the second carriage was in motion, a few flakes of snow were finding their way down, and the sky had the appearance of being so overcharged as to want only a milder air to produce a very white world in a very short time.
Related Themes:
Chapter 26
Explanation and Analysis—Emma's Feelings:
Though Emma is not aware of her growing romantic feelings for Knightley for the majority of the novel, Austen subtly foreshadows their impending engagement. For example, in Chapter 26, Emma shows signs of jealousy when Knightley speaks of marrying one day:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Her objections to Mr. Knightley’s marrying did not in the least subside. She could see nothing but evil in it. It would be a great disappointment to Mr. John Knightley; consequently to Isabella. A real injury to the children—a most mortifying change, and material loss to them all;—a very great deduction from her father’s daily comfort—and, as to herself, she could not at all endure the idea of Jane Fairfax at Donwell Abbey.
Related Themes:
Chapter 33
Explanation and Analysis—Emma and Knightley:
Emma and Knightley ending up married is an example of situational irony because, throughout the novel, Emma makes it clear that she sees him more as a friend and also swears that she will never get married, as in this conversation with Harriet:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! but I never have been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 37
Explanation and Analysis—A Crisis:
In a moment of subtle foreshadowing in the middle of the novel, Emma reflects on how she does not want Frank to confess his feelings for her (a misperception she has made given Frank is secretly engaged to Jane at this point) and senses a “crisis” on the horizon:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She wished she might be able to keep him from an absolute declaration. That would be so very painful a conclusion of their present acquaintance!—and yet, she could not help rather anticipating something decisive. She felt as if the spring would not pass without bringing a crisis, an event, a something to alter her present composed and tranquil state.
Related Themes:
Chapter 38
Explanation and Analysis—Emma's Feelings:
Though Emma is not aware of her growing romantic feelings for Knightley for the majority of the novel, Austen subtly foreshadows their impending engagement. For example, in Chapter 26, Emma shows signs of jealousy when Knightley speaks of marrying one day:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Her objections to Mr. Knightley’s marrying did not in the least subside. She could see nothing but evil in it. It would be a great disappointment to Mr. John Knightley; consequently to Isabella. A real injury to the children—a most mortifying change, and material loss to them all;—a very great deduction from her father’s daily comfort—and, as to herself, she could not at all endure the idea of Jane Fairfax at Donwell Abbey.
Related Themes:
