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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 1: The Notice Board
Explanation and Analysis—Oppressive:
In the following example of foreshadowing from Chapter 1, Fiver expresses the feeling that something oppressive lurks around the corner:
"No, it's safe enough," he answered. "If I start feeling there's anything dangerous I'll tell you. But it's not exactly danger that I seem to feel about the place. It's—oh, I don't know—something oppressive, like thunder: I can't tell what; but it worries me. All the same, I'll come across with you."
Chapter 2: The Chief Rabbit
Explanation and Analysis—A Wire:
In Chapter 2, Fiver and Hazel approach Threarah, beseeching him to move the colony on Fiver's advice. The young rabbit predicts the future downfall of the warren, in one of the novel's first prominent examples of foreshadowing:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"But there's no time, Threarah, sir," blurted out Fiver. "I can feel the danger like a wire round my neck—like a wire—Hazel, help!" He squealed and rolled over in the sand, kicking frantically, as a rabbit does in a snare. Hazel held him down with both forepaws and he grew quieter.
Chapter 10: The Road and the Common
Explanation and Analysis—Mist:
In Chapter 10, Hazel and his fellow rabbits approach Cowslip's warren. In a moment of foreshadowing, Fiver observes the mist around them, taking it as a portent of tragedy to come:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"There's a thick mist between the hills and us. I can't see through it, but through it we shall have to go. Or into it, anyway."
"A mist?" said Hazel. "What do you mean?"
"We're in for some mysterious trouble," whispered Fiver, "and it's not elil. It feels more like, like mist. Like being deceived and losing our way."
Chapter 12: The Stranger in the Field
Explanation and Analysis—Elil:
In an example of foreshadowing from Chapter 12, Hazel, Blackberry, and Dandelion scout ahead, scenting a suspicious and strange lack of elil in their vicinity:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I don't think it makes much difference where we do a bit of scratching," he said. "It's all good, so far as I can see. Not the slightest trace of elil, no scent or tracks or droppings. That seems unusual, but it may be just that the home warren attracted more elil than other places. Anyway, we ought to do well here.
Related Themes:
Chapter 14: “Like Trees in November”
Explanation and Analysis—Through the Wire:
In another example of foreshadowing from Chapter 14, Fiver attempts to describe the ephemeral feeling of danger and unease that pervades Cowslip's warren. He employs metaphor to do so:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Hazel—dear old Hazel—it's simply that I know there's something unnatural and evil twisted all round this place. I don't know what it is, so no wonder I can't talk about it. I keep getting near it, though. You know how you poke your nose against wire netting and push it up against an apple tree, but you still can't bite the bark because of the wire. I'm close to this--whatever it is--but I can't grip it. If I sit here alone I may reach it yet."
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Roof of Bones:
In Chapter 14, Fiver first begins displaying behaviors that foreshadow the grim truth eventually revealed about Cowslip's warren. The warren is a death trap, one Fiver refuses to enter—as can be seen in the following excerpt:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place," said Fiver. "As for going underground, I'd rather go back over the heather. The roof of that hall is made of bones."
"No, no—tree roots. But, after all, you were underground all night."
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Food Problem:
In Chapter 14, the narrator slowly reveals the danger of Cowslip's warren, in a variety of subtle ways. One such subtle bit of foreshadowing comes during a conversation between Hazel and Cowslip as the two rabbits eat together:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"But in hard weather, in winter, there's nearly always something. Big roots, usually, or kale, or sometimes corn. We eat that too, you know."
"Food's no problem, then. The whole place ought to be full of rabbits. I suppose—"
"If you really have finished," interrupted Cowslip, "—and there's no hurry; do take your time--you could try carrying. It's easy with these roots—easier than anything except lettuce.
Related Themes:
