Question

Matt is writing a literary analysis essay on Shakespeare’s use of foreshadowing in act I, scene I, of Richard III. Which lines in this excerpt from that scene can he use as textual evidence in his essay?

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): We are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewell: I will unto the king;
And whatsoever you will employ me in,
Were it to call King Edward's widow sister,
I will perform it to enfranchise you.
Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood
Touches me deeper than you can imagine.

GEORGE PLANTAGENET (Duke of Clarence): I know it pleaseth neither of us well.

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): Well, your imprisonment shall not be long;
Meantime, have patience.

GEORGE PLANTAGENET (Duke of Clarence): I must perforce. Farewell.

(Exeunt CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and Guard)

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return.
Simple, plain Clarence! I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?

(Enter HASTINGS)

LORD HASTINGS: Good time of day unto my gracious lord!

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): As much unto my good lord chamberlain!
Well are you welcome to the open air.
How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment?

Answer 1

Foreshadowing means having an indication of a future event. To foreshadow is to signify, or be warned of a future event.

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return.
Simple, plain Clarence! I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?

This text implies that Clarence will face death and that Richard will be the one to send him to die.

Answer 2

Foreshadowing points to an upcoming event in the story. Shakespeare used the literarcy technique in many of his plays. The following lines can be used as evidence:

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return.

Simple, plain Clarence! I do love thee so,

That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,

If heaven will take the present at our hands.

But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?

The lines show that Richard is going to kill Clarence. While he was thinking about it, Hastings enters the room. Shakespeare's usage of foreshadowing comes to light at this point that there is going to be something between Richard and Clarence.