Use of Foreshadowing in Anne Radcliffe's The Italian

Use of Foreshadowing in The Italian

Anne Radcliffe incorporates many aspects of the Gothic into her novel, The Italian. In this book, one can find an exciting exploration of an exotic culture, a history of family secrets, subtle hints at supernatural forces at work, and Gothic architecture in both ruins and in the Inquisition prison. However, perhaps the most prominent feature of the Gothic used in this novel is the element of suspense. Radcliffe creates suspense in The Italian through a chain of foreshadowed events that lure the reader further and further into the story.

Several of the most noticeable means of foreshadowing are found at the beginning of each chapter. From reading the quotes that Radcliffe uses to launch each chapter, the reader can tell more or less what the next few pages will have in store. An example of such a quote can be found at the beginning of the first chapter, "What is this secret sin; this untold tale, That art cannot extract, nor penance cleanse?" - Mysterious Mother (5). From reading this quote, one can already foresee that the story involves a great family secret, and this secret could very well pertain to a mother or a mother figure. It is also safe to assume that this secret has been revealed in confession. This assumption can also be supported by the information revealed in the preceding pages, in which the reader learns that the story he is reading is a written account of a confession made at a convent of the order of the Black Penitents. However, the secret is so great that even penance cannot cleanse the guilty. It is amazing how much this short introductory quote reveals, especially since it is found so early in the novel.

Radcliffe also reveals certain aspects of a ...

... middle of paper ...

...s a mother's would. A few pages later, Olivia discovers the identity of Ellena (92-93). It is apparent that she is deeply affected when she learns Ellena's full name. These instances support the notion that Olivia and Ellena are connected, but the reader must wait until the end of the book to discover their relationship.

In The Italian, Anne Radcliffe uses the technique of foreshadowing in such a way that the reader can make accurate assumptions about major points in the novel. However, Radcliffe is careful not to reveal too much information and merely makes suggestions as to what might occur later in the novel. This clever approach entices the reader and keeps him/her interested in the story. When the reader finally finishes the novel, the suspenseful mystery that Radcliffe has created all comes together and leaves the reader satisfied.