Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to provide hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. It can be presented in various ways, such as through the dialogue, actions, events, or even the setting. The purpose of foreshadowing is to create anticipation in the reader’s mind about what might happen next, thereby adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative.

In “The Ledge,” Stephen King employs foreshadowing to heighten the suspense and set the tone for the upcoming events. One of the most prominent instances of this technique is seen when Cressner explains the bet to Stan. His casual mention of previous bets and the nonchalant way he describes the challenge ahead serves as a subtle hint to the reader about the impending challenge that Stan is about to face. By introducing this element of danger early on, King sets the mood for the story, prepping the reader for a suspense-filled narrative.

Another subtle use of foreshadowing is the initial description of the ledge itself. King spends time describing its narrowness, the sheer drop, and the city far below.