Previous
Ethos
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 7: I Learn My Neighbor’s Profession
Explanation and Analysis—Completely Unimportant:
In Chapter 7, Poirot and Sheppard examine the murder scene. Poirot uses logos to explain why he is interested in the odd positioning of a chair in the room, foreshadowing the way he will out-think Sheppard in the end:
“Raymond or Blunt must have pushed it back,” I suggested. “Surely it isn’t important?”
“It is completely unimportant,” said Poirot. “That is why it is so interesting,” he added softly.
Related Themes:
Chapter 14: Mrs. Ackroyd
Explanation and Analysis—He Ought to Come Back:
In Chapter 14, Sheppard speaks with Ursula Bourne and tells her that the murder must have taken place after 9:45 at night. Ursula subsequently demonstrates a strange interest in Ralph Paton, foreshadowing the revelation at the end of the novel that they are secretly married:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Excuse me, sir, is there any news of Captain Paton?”
I shook my head, looking at her inquiringly.
“He ought to come back,” she said. “Indeed—indeed he ought to come back.”
She was looking at me with appealing eyes.
“Does no one know where he is?” she asked.
“Do you?” I said sharply. She shook her head.
“No, indeed. I know nothing. But anyone who was a friend to him would tell him this: he ought to come back.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 17: Parker
Explanation and Analysis—Gold Mine:
In Chapter 17, Poirot describes the psychology of the person he believes killed Roger Ackroyd. He employs a metaphor to describe the mindset of a blackmailer-turned-murderer, foreshadowing his eventual accusation of Sheppard himself:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Here is a chance of money—a great amount of money. He wants money—he desires it—and it is so easy. He has to do nothing for it—just keep silence. That is the beginning. The desire for money grows. He must have more—and more! He is intoxicated by the gold mine which has opened at his feet. He becomes greedy. And in his greed he overreaches himself.
Related Themes:
Chapter 19: Flora Ackroyd
Explanation and Analysis—Poirot's Nephew:
In Chapter 19, Inspector Raglan uses a pair of idioms as he informs Dr. Sheppard that Poirot has a mentally ill nephew who has been institutionalized nearby. This moment foreshadows the climax of the novel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+["]He’s got a nephew who’s quite off his crumpet.”
“Poirot has?” I said, very surprised.
“Yes. Hasn’t he ever mentioned him to you? Quite docile, I believe, and all that, but mad as a hatter, poor lad.”
“Who told you that?”
Again a grin showed itself on Inspector Raglan’s face.
“Your sister, Miss Sheppard, she told me all about it.”
Related Themes:
