Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What is the function of foreshadowing?

1. Conclude a story

2. Augur future events

3. Resolve conflicts

4. Describe characters

The correct answer is: Augur future events

Foreshadowing serves the specific function of providing hints or clues about events that will occur later in the narrative. This technique is used by authors to create anticipation and build tension, as readers begin to speculate on how the clues may play out as the story unfolds. By using foreshadowing, a writer subtly prepares the audience for what is to come, enhancing their engagement and emotional investment in the plot. This literary device enriches the storytelling experience by making occurrences more impactful when they eventually happen, allowing for deeper connections and understanding of the characters and their journeys. In contrast, while the other options refer to different narrative elements—such as concluding a story, resolving conflicts, or describing characters—they do not encapsulate the purpose of foreshadowing. Each of those functions plays a distinct role in narrative structure but does not involve the hinting towards future events that foreshadowing specifically aims to achieve.