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Dramatic Irony
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 The Gardener
Foreshadowing
Explanation and Analysis—Never Know Your Luck:
In a section of direct dialogue early in the short story, Kipling foreshadows that Michael will die young. Despite being a small child, Michael recognizes in a moment of disappointment that the best way to hurt Helen is to use her love for him against her. He swears that he will hurt her back for "as long as I live," adding that "when I'm dead I'll hurt you worse." Taken aback, Helen reminds him that she will most likely be the first of them to die:
‘Thank goodness, I shall be dead long before you, darling.’
‘Huh! Emma says, “Never know your luck.”’ (Michael had been talking to Helen’s elderly, flat-faced maid.) ‘Lots of little boys die quite soon. So’ll I. Then you’ll see!’
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Burden:
The story opens with an epigraph that contains two layers of allusion: one to a poem written by Kipling, another to Christ's Resurrection. This dual allusion has the effect of foreshadowing the story's ending.
Unlock with LitCharts A+One grave to me was given,
One watch till Judgment Day;
And God looked down from Heaven
And rolled the stone away.
One day in all the years,
One hour in that one day,
His Angel saw my tears,
And rolled the stone away!
Related Themes:
