Final answer:
Flashbacks and flash forwards are narrative techniques used to explore past events and foreshadow future ones, respectively, enriching the plot and developing character backstories and themes. These techniques require clear markers to maintain coherency in narrative timelines and contribute significantly to how stories resonate with an audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flashbacks and flash forwards are narrative devices used within a plot to provide background and inform the audience about future events, respectively. Flashbacks occur when the narrative breaks its chronological flow to depict an event that took place in the past. This device can offer insights into the characters' motivations, their backstories, or reveal significant plot points that enhance the audience's understanding of the story. On the other hand, flash forwards project the audience into the future relative to the current narrative timeline, often to build anticipation or foreshadow future conflicts and resolutions.
As seen in the example from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, the story employs a flashback to explain the circumstances that led to the protagonist Farquhar's execution. This literary technique enabled readers to gain a deeper understanding of Farquhar's character and provided context for his present situation. Similarly, in a memoir or any episodic plot, when utilizing these narrative structures, it is crucial to clearly indicate time shifts, which can be done through elements like timestamps or symbolic imagery to maintain coherence for the readers.
In storytelling, whether utilizing chronos or kairos, the order of events plays a vital role in developing themes, constructing the plot, and engaging the audience. A strategic use of flashbacks establishes a rich backstory and a use of flash forwards creates anticipation and highlights the writer's message or theme. Both devices, when used effectively, contribute to a dynamic and enriched narrative.