Final answer:
In 'Sorry, Wrong Number', foreshadowing is used through the repeated busy signals, the overheard conversation planning a murder, and Mrs. Stevenson's own discussions about death. These instances build suspense and prepare the audience for the play's climax.
Step-by-step explanation:
The play "Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher is a classic example of the use of foreshadowing as a literary device. Foreshadowing in literature is a technique where the writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. In the case of this play, there are multiple instances where future events are hinted at.
One example of foreshadowing is the repeated busy signals and crossed telephone lines that the protagonist, Mrs. Stevenson, encounters. These interruptions serve as a metaphor for her own disconnectedness from reality and impending doom. Another instance is when she overhears a conversation planning a murder, which is a direct foreshadowing of her own situation. Additionally, Mrs. Stevenson discusses death and feeling unsafe several times throughout the play, which builds up tension and anticipation for the audience.
These examples not only create suspense but also prepare the audience for the climax of the play, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative. The effective use of foreshadowing in "Sorry, Wrong Number" serves to engage the reader from the beginning and keep them on the edge of their seat until the very end.