Foreshadowing technique

In this part of the guide, we will analyze the use of foreshadowing and give you some ideas on how to comment and interpret this narrative technique.

Foreshadowing is a narrative technique, which entails implicit yet deliberate efforts from the author, suggesting events that have yet to take place in the story.

In “The Whipping Boy” foreshadowing is used to hint Martha’s role in saving Sterling from being killed by Mikey and Tommy. What seems to be the mumbling of old Mrs. Gage asking Martha to save Sterling, while the three slaves wait for his return, turns out to be true when Sterling is about to be hanged:

She looked at Martha with purpose when she told her, “Only you can save my son.” The old woman held Martha’s hand ht. Martha withdrew her ...