Foreshadowing in The Hidden Hand

As I was reading I found there was foreshadowing sprinkled throughout the story that added an entirely new element of intensity. The subtle hints that were dropped clued me in that an epic scene was about to take place, yet I could not foresee the magnitude of the drama about to unfold.

As Old Hurricane is offering graciously to send Herbert’s friend, Traverse, to college and to give a fortune to the “poor widow,” Capitola interjects “you’ll marry her yourself, as a reward; wont you, unlce?” (186) At first glance this interruption from Capitola seems merely to be a child excitedly trying to push her way into the conversation; although, as the story continues it is apparent that Southworth was hinting at their previous marriage.

After all of the arrangements have been made and everyone is quite thrilled with the new charitable plans, Capitola again foreshadows the treacherous events to come when she tells Old Hurricane “you know you never once asked Herbert the name of the widow you are going to befriend, and he never told you” (187). At this point it is very clear that there must be some previous acquaintance with the fateful people.

When Herbert rides into town like a hero to bear the wonderful and life altering news, there is yet again another instance of foreshadowing. Marah Rocke listened “as pale as death and trembling all over” as Herbert divulged the wonderful news about his long lost uncle (194). I found this strange that she would be trembling in such a manner since she was so desperate for money. When she finally asked if Herbert was sure that Old Hurricane knew who they were I knew that there had to be a twisted past incorporated into the plot line. The foreshadowing served as a tool to build the reader’s anticipation. I believe that it aided in the excitement of the story and built an air of anxiety.