Final answer:
Sergeant-Major Morris's quote from 'The Monkey's Paw' is an example of foreshadowing, hinting at negative outcomes from interfering with fate, a common literary technique used to build suspense.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the quote from The Monkey's Paw, "He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow," Sergeant-Major Morris is employing the literary device of foreshadowing. This statement hints at the future events of the story and sets the tone for the unfolding drama, suggesting that attempts to change one's destiny can lead to negative consequences.
The concept of fate versus free will is a common theme in literature, and foreshadowing is often used to build suspense and anticipation in the reader, as they foresee the potential outcomes of the characters' actions.