The Last Question

In Isaac Asimov’s “The Last Question,” foreshadowing creates anticipation and suspense throughout the narrative. Foreshadowing involves the subtle hinting at or alluding to future events or developments in the story, effectively preparing readers for what lies ahead.

One of the most striking examples of foreshadowing in the story is the recurring phrase, “The stars blinked” (5). Each time this phrase appears, it serves as a foreboding clue about the fate of the universe—a fate marked by the eventual heat death and the relentless advance of entropy. This repetition of the phrase instills a sense of impending doom, effectively underscoring the overarching theme of entropy and the unstoppable passage of time.

Foreshadowing also comes into play when Adell poses the pivotal question, “Can entropy ever be reversed?” (3). This question, asked at the story’s outset, acts as a powerful foreshadowing device. It hints at the central theme of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the unyielding quest to defy entropy—a theme that gains increasing prominence as the narrative unfolds. The anticipation built through this foreshadowing makes the eventual revelations all the more impactful.

The use of foreshadowing in “The Last Question” not only contributes to the story’s suspense but also reinforces its central themes.