Flashforward: A Literary Term

Flashforward: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology:

The term “flashforward” is a compound word formed by combining “flash” and “forward.” The “flash” element implies a sudden, brief presentation, while “forward” denotes a movement ahead in time. Coined within the context of literature and storytelling, the term reflects the abrupt shift to future events in the narrative.

Literal Meaning:

• In a literal sense, a flashforward is a narrative device where the author presents scenes or events expected to occur in the future.
• It involves a temporary departure from the main timeline of the story to provide glimpses of forthcoming developments.
• The term highlights the brevity and suddenness of these glimpses into the future within the narrative structure.

Conceptual Meaning:

• On a conceptual level, a flashforward serves as a tool for creating suspense, anticipation, and foreshadowing in storytelling.
• It allows authors to manipulate the temporal sequence of events, engaging readers by offering insights into future plot developments.
• The conceptual meaning underscores the narrative complexity introduced by the technique, enabling authors to play with the audience’s expectations.

Aspect	Definition
Etymology	Coined from “flash” and “forward,” the term signifies a sudden, brief shift in narrative to events expected to occur in the future.
Literal Meaning	In literature, a flashforward involves presenting future scenes, providing a temporary departure from the main timeline, and emphasizing the brevity of these glimpses.
Conceptual Meaning	Conceptually, it serves to create suspense, anticipation, and foreshadowing, allowing authors to manipulate the temporal sequence and engage readers with insights into future developments.

Flashforward: Definition as a Literary Term

A flashforward is a literary device where the narrative temporarily shifts forward in time, presenting scenes or events expected to occur in the future. This technique is employed to create suspense, anticipation, and foreshadowing within the storytelling. By offering glimpses into upcoming developments, authors engage readers and add a layer of complexity to the temporal structure of the narrative.

Flashforward: Types and Examples

Type	Description	Example
Anticipatory Flashforward	Provides a preview of future events to build anticipation or suspense, often leaving details ambiguous.	In a mystery novel, a chapter begins with a crime scene in the future without revealing the identity of the perpetrator.
Revelatory Flashforward	Unveils significant plot points or outcomes, offering glimpses into critical moments that shape the narrative.	In a dystopian novel, a flashforward reveals the protagonist discovering a hidden truth about the oppressive government later in the story.
Dream Sequence Flashforward	Incorporates elements of characters’ dreams or visions to foreshadow future events, blurring the line between reality and imagination.	A character in a fantasy novel has a dream featuring a foreboding event that later unfolds in the waking world of the story.
Flashforward as Resolution	Delays the revelation of a crucial event until later in the narrative, creating a sense of mystery or intrigue throughout the story.	In a crime novel, the flashforward reveals the resolution of a murder case, but the details leading to this conclusion are gradually unveiled.
Parallel Timeline Flashforward	Introduces a separate timeline or future scenario, showcasing how characters or the world have evolved, providing context for the main narrative.	A science fiction novel alternates between the main story and flashforwards depicting a future society shaped by the events of the plot.

Flashforward: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Imagining Future Achievements: Visualizing oneself graduating, landing a dream job, or achieving personal goals.
2. Daydreaming about Future Events: Fantasizing about upcoming vacations, celebrations, or significant life milestones.
3. Goal Setting: Planning for future accomplishments, such as fitness goals, career aspirations, or educational achievements.
4. Project Planning: Anticipating the successful completion of a project and envisioning its positive outcomes.
5. Financial Planning: Projecting future financial situations and making decisions based on long-term goals.
6. Career Planning: Contemplating future career advancements, promotions, or changes in professional direction.
7. Parental Expectations: Envisioning the future successes and accomplishments of one’s children.
8. Vacation Planning: Anticipating and planning for future travel experiences and adventures.
9. Personal Development: Setting expectations for personal growth and improvement over time.
10. Health and Wellness Goals: Envisaging a future state of well-being and making lifestyle choices accordingly, such as adopting a healthier diet or exercise routine.

Flashforward in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1985.
2. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. Simon & Schuster, 1953.
3. Ishiguro, Kazuo. Never Let Me Go. Vintage Books, 2005.
4. Mitchell, David. Cloud Atlas. Random House, 2004.
5. Murakami, Haruki. Kafka on the Shore. Vintage International, 2006.
6. Palahniuk, Chuck. Fight Club. W. W. Norton, 1996.
7. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Scholastic, 1999.
8. Smith, Ali. Hotel World. Penguin Books, 2001.
9. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five. Dial Press, 1969.
10. Woolf, Virginia. To the Lighthouse. Harcourt Brace, 1927.