What is the primary function of foreshadowing in literature?

The primary function of foreshadowing in literature is to create anticipation by hinting at future events. Foreshadowing serves as a literary device that offers subtle clues or hints about what may happen later in the story. This technique builds suspense and engages the reader, inviting them to speculate about the potential outcomes and how the narrative will unfold. By signaling future developments, foreshadowing can enhance the emotional impact and thematic depth of the work, making the eventual revelations more poignant or dramatic. This mechanism keeps readers invested in the storyline, as they look for connections between the foreshadowed hints and the actual events that follow.