In this excerpt from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” what is the foreshadowing?
It [the tree] was connected with the tragical story of the unfortunate André, who had been taken prisoner hard by; and was universally known by the name of Major André's tree. The common people regarded it with a mixture of respect and superstition, partly out of sympathy for the fate of its ill-starred namesake, and partly from the tales of strange sights and doleful lamentations told concerning it.
As Ichabod approached this fearful tree, he began to whistle; he thought his whistle was answered–it was but a blast sweeping sharply through the dry branches. As he approached a little nearer, he thought he saw something white, hanging in the midst of the tree–he paused and ceased whistling; but on looking more narrowly, perceived that it was a place where the tree had been scathed by lightning, and the white wood laid bare. Suddenly he heard a groan–his teeth chattered and his knees smote against the saddle: it was but the rubbing of one huge bough upon another, as they were swayed about by the breeze.
Ichabod thought he saw a ghost. How does that tie in with later events in the story?
The foreshadowing in this excerpt from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is the ominous atmosphere and the suggestion of supernatural occurrences. The mention of Major André's tragic story and the tree being regarded with respect and superstition sets a foreboding tone. The description of strange sights, doleful lamentations, and the tree being scathed by lightning adds to the eerie atmosphere. The moment when Ichabod pauses and perceives something white hanging in the tree creates suspense. Though the white wood is revealed to be the result of lightning, the groan he hears increases the sense of impending danger. These elements foreshadow the supernatural events and potential danger Ichabod will encounter later in the story.
To identify the foreshadowing in a literary work, you should look for subtle clues and hints that suggest forthcoming events or themes. Pay attention to descriptive language, recurring motifs, and any elements that create a sense of anticipation or unease. Reading the entire story or novel will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the foreshadowing and its impact on the plot.