2.2.1

Foreshadowing & Inevitability

Test yourself

Foreshadowing & Inevitability

Act One opens and closes with foreshadowing of Willy's fate. This is a literary technique used in other AQA Aspects of Tragedy texts.

Illustrative background for Open and closeIllustrative background for Open and close ?? "content

Open and close

  • The play’s title and opening lines (e.g. “I’m tired to the death”) serve to foreshadow Willy’s fate and create a tragic sense of inevitability.
  • Miller also ends Act One on a similar note of impending tragedy as the lights go down on Biff holding the rubber tubing which Willy is planning to use to kill himself.
Illustrative background for Other textsIllustrative background for Other texts ?? "content

Other texts

  • This sense of inevitability - of a character unable to escape his/her fate - is also created in other AQA Aspects of Tragedy texts.
  • For example...
Illustrative background for _Richard II_Illustrative background for _Richard II_ ?? "content

Richard II

  • In Act 2 Scene 1 of Richard II, the dying Gaunt prophecies Richard’s fate, foretelling that his reign as King will soon come to an end:
    • “His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last, / For violent fires soon burn out themselves”
  • The prophecy helps to create a sense of doom around Richard, particularly as he chooses to dismiss Gaunt’s words.
Illustrative background for _Tess of the D’urbervilles_Illustrative background for _Tess of the D’urbervilles_ ?? "content

Tess of the D’urbervilles

  • Similarly, in Tess of the D’urbervilles, Hardy’s narrator explicitly states that Tess is used as “sport” by “the President of the Immortals”.
  • This recalls the tragic figures of classical tragedy who are brought down by the Gods.
Illustrative background for _Tess of the D’urbervilles_ cont. Illustrative background for _Tess of the D’urbervilles_ cont.  ?? "content

Tess of the D’urbervilles cont.

  • Throughout the novel, Hardy’s symbols often serve to foreshadow later events.
    • E.g. Tess’ red ribbon forewarning readers of the bloodshed and passion to follow.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Act One

3Act Two

4Extended Passage Analysis

5Character Profiles

6Key Themes

7Writing Techniques

8Historical Context

9Literary Context

10Critical Debates

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson