Flashback and Foreshadowing

Vocabulary for Literature

Sequence of Events

The time order of events in a story

Key words: First, Next, Then, Finally

Let’s Practice!

Read “Medical School” on the next page in your packet.

Then put the 7 sentences in time order. What really happened first?

Flashback

When a character remembers something from the past, it is called a flashback.

It is like a memory. A flashback can be as short as a few

sentences in a story, or a whole story can be a flashback.

Flashback Example

Toy Story Example

What is the flashback? "You're getting it. Good girl!"

Anya cheered as she ran beside her little sister. Anya smiled, remembering when her dad had taught her to ride a bike. She could still see him running beside her, even when he didn't need to anymore! He'd always been so protective. But now, he was gone and she alone had to take care of the family. "I still need you, Dad," she whispered.

Why do writers use flashbacks? Flashbacks can give you

information about a character to help you figure out his/her or reasons for doing things.

Our example would help you understand why Anya might turn down a chance to go to a college far away from home, even though that was her dream.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing gives readers clues about what might happen later in a story.

Being able to recognize a foreshadowing moment in a story can help you make good predictions.

Foreshadowing Example

Even as a little kid, no one had to tell you that when Mrs. Rabbit told Peter, "Don't go into Mr. MacGregor's garden," he'd go – and get into trouble!

The author's words foreshadowed danger.

Foreshadowing Example

Lion King Example Types of Foreshadowing

Musical Visual Verbal Facial Clues

What is it foreshadowing? I looked at the speedometer. Paul was

driving even faster. "Please slow down," I said. "We're coming to a really bad curve in the road!" But he didn't slow down and the snow was drifting higher and higher. I could hardly see the road!

Why do writers use foreshadowing? Foreshadowing "sets up"

future events so you're prepared for them and they make sense.

You might not know why the author mentions something until later in the story.

In our example, the author mentions snowdrifts—maybe the car will hit a snowdrift that stops the vehicle from going over a cliff!

What’s the difference?

FLASHBACK FORESHADOWING

Partner Practice

Write “flashback” or “foreshadow” on the appropriate arrow.

Complete Practice 1 with your neighbor.

Check out these flashbacks from UP.

Independent Practice

Complete Practice 2. In numbers 6 and 7, you need to write your own flashback and foreshadowing examples. Use complete sentences!

Then complete Practice 3. Read carefully and answer the SOL-like questions.